Operating device for work machinery, and work machinery

Abstract

To provide an operation device for a working machine that easily prevent a wrong operation, and the working machine.SOLUTION: An operation device 1 for a working machine is installed in a machine body of the working machine, receives an operation from a user U1, and comprises a body 10 and an operation object 11. The body 10 includes an operation surface 101 in a portion of a surface. The operation object 11 is arranged on the operation surface 101. The operation device 1 is constituted so as to be capable of receiving a first operation including an operation for the operation object 11, and a second operation associated with movement of the body 10. The operation device 1 also comprises a wrong operation prevention part 12 protruding from the operation surface 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a working machine and a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, a working machine (combine) provided with an operating device such as a main shift lever in a cabin is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the working machine according to the related art, the main shift lever has a body (grip) that is grasped by a user (operator) with the left hand, and for example, the body is operated so as to move diagonally forward to the left with respect to the driver's seat when increasing the speed while moving forward. Further, in the related art, the main shift lever has various switches such as a cutting speed change switch and a sub-speed change switch on the operating surface (upper surface) of the body, and is arranged so as to tilt the operating surface toward the user side of the driver's seat. The user mainly operates various switches of the main shift lever with the thumb of the left hand.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of the related art described above, depending on the way of gripping the body, for example, when operating the body itself such as when increasing the speed while moving forward, the palm of the user's hand or the like may touch various switches, leading to a possibility of an erroneous operation in which the various switches are operated unintentionally by the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for a working machine and a working machine that are easy to prevent erroneous operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An operating device for a work machine according to one aspect of the present invention is an operating device mounted on the body of the work machine and receiving operations from a user, comprising a body and an object to be operated. The body includes an operating surface on a part of its surface. The object to be operated is positioned on the operating surface. The operating device is configured to receive a first operation including an operation on the object to be operated and a second operation involving the movement of the body. The operating device further comprises an error prevention part protruding from the operating surface.

[0007] A working machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an operating device for the working machine and a machine body on which the operating device is mounted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating device for a work machine that makes it easier to prevent erroneous operation, and a work machine itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an operating device for a work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic left side view of the work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged view thereof showing the operating section of the work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a user seated in the driver's compartment of the work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing the operating section of the work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the operating device for the work machine according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the operating surface side. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic right side view showing the operating device for a work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing the operating device for a work machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the operating device for the work machine according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the rear side. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of another operating device for a work machine according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the rear side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall structure First, the overall configuration of the work machine 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The work machine 4 comprises a machine body 40 including a traveling device 41, etc. The operating device 1 for the work machine according to this embodiment (see Figure 1) is mounted on the machine body 40 of the work machine 4.

[0012] In this disclosure, "working machinery" means machinery that performs various tasks in a work area such as field F1, and examples include working vehicles such as harvesting machinery (including combine harvesters), tractors, rice transplanters, sprayers, sprayers, seeders, and transplanters. In other words, working machinery 4 includes working vehicles. Working machinery 4 is not limited to "vehicles," but may also be, for example, a working projectile or a working vessel. Furthermore, working machinery 4 is not limited to agricultural machinery, but may also be, for example, construction machinery. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the explanation will be given using the case where working machinery 4 is a ride-on type harvesting machine as an example.

[0013] As used in this disclosure, a "harvesting machine" is a machine that performs harvesting operations on a field F1. As an example, it includes a combine (combine harvester) that performs threshing and sorting in addition to harvesting operations. A combine as the working machine 4 is mainly used for harvesting grains. While moving (traveling) within the field F1, it cuts the crops and harvests the cut crops. In particular, there are two types of combines: a general-purpose combine that feeds the entire cut crop into a threshing machine (threshing device 43), and a self-threshing combine that feeds only the ear tips of the cut crops into the threshing machine. In this embodiment, the self-threshing combine will be described as an example of the working machine 4. Also, in this embodiment, as an example, the working machine 4 is assumed to operate by the operation of a person (operator) (including remote operation), but it is not limited to this. The working machine 4 may be an unmanned aircraft that operates by automatic driving.

[0014] As used in this disclosure, a "field" is an area where the working machine 4 performs harvesting operations, and includes, for example, paddy fields, fields, orchards, and pastures where crops (agricultural products) to be harvested such as rice, wheat, soybeans, or buckwheat are grown. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the harvesting target by the working machine 4 is "wheat" and the field F1 is an outdoor field where wheat is grown will be described as an example.

[0015] Also, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the vertical direction in the state where the working machine 4 can be used is defined as the up-down direction D1. Further, based on the direction seen from a person (operator) riding on the working machine 4 (the driving part 47), the front-back direction D2 and the left-right direction D3 are defined. In other words, each direction used in this embodiment is a direction defined based on the body 40 of the working machine 4. When the working machine 4 moves forward, the direction in which the body 40 moves is "front", and when the working machine 4 moves backward, the direction in which the body 40 moves is "rear". Similarly, when the working machine 4 turns to the right, the direction in which the front end of the body 40 moves is "right", and when the working machine 4 turns to the left, the direction in which the front end of the body 40 moves is "left". However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction (direction during use) of the working machine 4.

[0016] In addition to the traveling device 41, the working machine 4 includes a mowing device 42, a threshing device 43, a sorting device 44, a storage device 45, a power device 46, an operation unit 47, etc. on the machine body 40. In the present embodiment, the working machine 4 further includes a control device, a communication terminal, a fuel tank, a battery, etc. on the machine body 40. Also, in the present embodiment, the working machine 4 further includes an operation device 1 for the working machine (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "operation device"). That is, the machine body 40 which is the main body of the working machine 4 includes the traveling device 41, the mowing device 42, the threshing device 43, etc. And the operation device 1 according to the present embodiment constitutes the working machine 4 as a harvesting machine together with the machine body 40. In other words, the harvesting machine (working machine 4) according to the present embodiment includes the operation device 1 for the working machine and the machine body 40.

[0017] The traveling device 41 includes a crawler part and can move the working machine 4 in the front-rear direction D2 and the left-right direction D3. For example, the working machine 4 performs harvesting work while moving within the field F1. As an example, the working machine 4 may move while turning left from the outside to the inside within the field F1, and in this case, the movement locus of the working machine 4 is a counterclockwise spiral path in plan view.

[0018] The mowing device 42 mows the crops (wheat as an example in the present embodiment) in the field F1. The mowing device 42 is arranged in front of the machine body 40 (see FIG. 2) of the working machine 4 and is coupled to the machine body 40. In the state where the mowing device 42 is provided on the machine body 40, the mowing device 42 forms a part of the components of the working machine 4.

[0019] The mowing device 42 includes a plurality (seven as an example) of weeding plates 421, a lifting device 422, and a cutting blade (cutter). As an example in the present embodiment, the mowing device 42 is a "six-row mowing" mowing device capable of simultaneously mowing six rows of grain straws.

[0020] Multiple grass dividers 421 are arranged in a left-right direction D3 at the lower front end of the harvesting device 42. The multiple grass dividers 421 are inserted between crops (grain stalks) to define the width to be harvested. Furthermore, the grass dividers 421 have the function of guiding the crops separated by the grass dividers 421 to the lifting device 422.

[0021] The lifting device 422 has lifting tines for straightening the flow of crops and performs "lifting work" such as picking up lodged crops and converging the tips (heads) of the crops to a certain width. Specifically, the lifting device 422 performs lifting work by rotating a chain on which the lifting tines are attached, thereby driving the lifting tines. Crops guided by the grass divider plate 421 are lifted by the lifting device 422 and cut near the base by the cutting blades. As a result, the crops are cut in the middle of the grain stalk, and at least the grain stalk including the head is cut by the work machine 4. The grain stalks of crops cut by the harvesting device 42 are transported to the threshing device 43.

[0022] The threshing device 43 performs threshing on the crops (grain stalks) harvested by the harvesting device 42. In the threshing process, the threshed grains, including the grains, are separated from the grain stalks. The threshed grains fall from the threshing device 43 to the sorting device 44 below.

[0023] The sorting device 44 performs a sorting process to separate grains from the threshed grain that falls from the threshing device 43. The sorting device 44 separates grains from the threshed grain, for example, by blowing air onto the threshed grain from diagonally below while sifting the threshed grain.

[0024] The storage device 45 includes a grain tank 451 and a discharge auger 452, etc. The grain tank 451 stores the grain transported from the sorting device 44 by a conveyor belt. In other words, the grain sorted by the sorting device 44 is transported to the grain tank 451 by a conveyor belt and stored in the grain tank 451. The discharge auger 452 discharges the grain from the grain tank 451 to any location around the work machine 4.

[0025] The power unit 46 is the drive source for the traveling device 41, harvesting device 42, threshing device 43, sorting device 44, and storage device 45, etc. The power unit 46 has an engine, such as a diesel engine, as its power source. The power unit 46 may also have a motor (electric motor) as its power source, or it may have a hybrid power source that includes both an engine and a motor.

[0026] The driver's unit 47 is equipped with a driver's seat 31 (see Figure 3) where the user U1 (see Figure 4) sits, and an operating system including a handle 32 (see Figure 3), various operating levers, and various operating switches, which are operated by the user U1. The operating device 1 according to this embodiment is included in the operating system provided in the driver's unit 47. In other words, the operating device 1 is provided in the driver's unit 47 and is operated by the user (operator) U1 who is riding in the driver's unit 47. In this embodiment, as an example, the driver's unit 47 is a cabin type equipped with a cabin 471, and the user U1 is riding in the cabin space inside the cabin 471. Therefore, the operating device 1 is also located in the cabin space inside the cabin 471. The driver's unit 47 will be described in detail in the section "[2] Configuration of the Driver's Unit," and the operating device 1 will be described in detail in the section "[3] Configuration of the Operating Device."

[0027] The control device controls the traveling device 41, harvesting device 42, threshing device 43, sorting device 44, storage device 45, power device 46, etc., in response to operations received by the operating system, including the operating device 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the operations received by the operating device 1 include operations to move the machine body 40 (forward or backward). When the operating device 1 receives an operation for forward movement, the control device controls the traveling device 41 to move the machine body 40 forward. Furthermore, when the operating device 1 receives an operation for backward movement, the control device controls the traveling device 41 to move the machine body 40 backward.

[0028] The communication terminal communicates with an external server or the like from the work machine 4. Here, the communication terminal appropriately transmits information to the server or the like regarding the operating status of the work machine 4, the current location of the work machine 4, the crop yield, the taste of the crop (including protein content or moisture content, etc.), working time, or working efficiency. In this embodiment, the communication terminal is configured to detect the current location of the work machine 4 using a satellite positioning system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The communication terminal may also receive control information from the server or the like regarding driving assistance or automatic driving of the work machine 4. As an example, information regarding the harvest yield (yield data) can be obtained by detecting the amount of harvested grain using a sensor (grain sensor) installed in the work machine 4. This type of sensor, as an example, includes an impact detection unit such as a strain gauge or piezoelectric element attached to the top surface of the grain tank 451, and detects the impact force when grain being transported toward the grain tank 451 collides with the impact detection unit. Of course, the method for obtaining the harvest yield of the work machine 4 is not limited to this.

[0029] The work machine 4, configured as described above, can cut the crops growing in field F1 by driving through the field F1 and then threshing them to extract the grain.

[0030] [2] Configuration of the driver's unit Next, the configuration of the operating unit 47 of the work machine 4 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In Figures 3 to 5, only the main parts located in the cabin space inside the cabin 471 (see Figure 2) of the operating unit 47 are shown, and other parts are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, in Figures 3 to 5, the cabin 471 surrounding the cabin space is also omitted from the illustration.

[0031] In this embodiment, the driver's unit 47 is located in front of the grain tank 451 on the right side of the body of the work machine 4 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the driver's unit 47 is located behind the harvesting device 42 and above the power unit 46 (see Figure 2). Due to this arrangement, the user U1 will get on and off the driver's unit 47 from its right side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the entrance / exit for the user U1 is located on the right side of the driver's unit 47, which is one side in the left-right direction D3. In other words, the user U1 will get on and off the driver's unit 47 through the entrance / exit that opens on the right side of the driver's unit 47.

[0032] The cabin 471 includes a cabin frame, a cabin roof, and a door (cabin door). The cabin frame is a structural element that serves as the skeleton of the cabin 471 and is formed to enclose the cabin space. The cabin roof is positioned above the cabin frame and is supported by the cabin frame. The door is provided at the entrance and is rotatable between a "closed position" that covers the entrance and an "open position" that opens the entrance and allows the user U1 to pass through. The door is supported by the cabin frame in a state that it can rotate around a pivot axis. In this embodiment, since the entrance and an exit are located to the right of the driver's unit 47, the door is also located to the right of the driver's unit 47. The door may be either a "front-opening type" that opens at the front in the front-rear direction D2, or a "rear-opening type" that opens at the rear.

[0033] Furthermore, the cabin 471 also has various panel materials, including a glass panel that serves as a windshield. These various panel materials are appropriately attached to both sides in the front-rear direction D2 and both sides in the left-right direction D3 of the cabin frame, and together with the door body, surround the cabin space from all sides. In addition, exterior parts such as mirrors are appropriately attached to the cabin roof (or cabin frame). In a cabin-type driver's unit 47 equipped with a cabin 471 as in this embodiment, at least the cabin frame functions as the skeleton of the cabin 471 and has sufficient strength (rigidity) to support the cabin roof and door body, etc. Furthermore, the cabin 471 may be detachable from the body of the work machine 4.

[0034] The driver's unit 47 is equipped with a driver's seat 31 and various control systems including a steering wheel 32, as well as a display (monitor) and instruments. The driver's seat 31, various control systems, display, and instruments are all located in the cabin space within the cabin 471.

[0035] Specifically, the driver's seat 31 is positioned facing forward, approximately in the center of the cabin space in a plan view (top view). The driver's seat 31 is configured to allow adjustment of the vertical position (height) D1 and the fore-aft position D2 of the seat surface. The driver's seat 31 has foldable armrests on both sides in the left-right direction D3. The steering wheel 32 is positioned on a steering column 33 located in front of the driver's seat 31. Therefore, when user U1 is seated in the driver's seat 31, the steering wheel 32 is positioned in front of user U1, as shown in Figure 4. The steering wheel 32 is rotatable relative to the steering column 33, and the control device rotates the work machine 4 according to the rotation angle of the steering wheel 32. In addition, a display 321 that displays the operating status of the work machine 4 is provided in the center of the steering wheel 32. Furthermore, steering switches 322 are provided on the steering wheel 32.

[0036] Within the cabin space, a side column 34 is provided on the left side, opposite the entrance / exit in the left-right direction D3 relative to the driver's seat 31. The upper surface of the side column 34 is equipped with an operating device 1, which serves as the main transmission lever, a work clutch lever 35, various switches, and operating dials. The operating device 1 is positioned near the front end of the side column 34 so that it is easily visible to the user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31, and the work clutch lever 35 is positioned behind the operating device 1 (main transmission lever).

[0037] Both the operating device 1 and the work clutch lever 35 have grips, and are lever-type operating tools that the user U1 operates by gripping the grips to move (including rotation and tilting) the entire operating device 1 or work clutch lever 35. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the operating device 1 has a shaft 100 and a body 10 supported at the tip (upper end) of the shaft 100, with the body 10 functioning as a "grip". In other words, the user U1 operates the operating device 1 by moving the body 10 in the forward / backward direction D2 while gripping (holding) the body 10, thereby moving the entire operating device 1 including the shaft 100. Furthermore, a part of the surface of the body 10 constitutes an operating surface 101, and an operating object 11 including multiple operating elements SW1, SW2, SW3... is arranged on the operating surface 101. The operating object 11 will be explained in detail in the section "[3] Configuration of the Operating Device".

[0038] In this embodiment, the side column 34 has a first slit 341 and a second slit 342 formed therein. The operating device 1 is configured such that the shaft 100 passes through the side column 34 in the vertical direction D1 through the first slit 341 and is movable along the first slit 341. The working clutch lever 35 passes through the side column 34 in the vertical direction D1 through the second slit 342 and is movable along the second slit 342.

[0039] Here, the operating device 1, which acts as the main gear shift lever, is used to operate the running gear 41, etc., and is operated by the user U1 to move (i.e., switch) between the "forward position", "reverse position", and "neutral position", for example. In this embodiment, the operating device 1 is movable in the forward / reverse direction D2, with the front end of the movement range being the "forward position", the rear end of the movement range being the "reverse position", and the middle position of the movement range being the "neutral position". The control device stops the machine 40 when the operating device 1 is in the "neutral position", moves the machine 40 forward when the operating device 1 moves from the "neutral position" towards the "forward position" (i.e., forward), and moves the machine 40 backward when the operating device 1 moves from the "neutral position" towards the "reverse position" (i.e., backward). Furthermore, the control device continuously adjusts the running speed according to the amount of operation of the operating device 1, that is, the amount of movement from the "neutral position". For example, the greater the amount of movement of the control device 1 forward from the "neutral position," the faster the aircraft 40 moves forward.

[0040] The work clutch lever 35 is used to operate the harvesting device 42 and the threshing device 43, etc., and is operated by user U1 to move (i.e., switch) between "harvesting position", "threshing position", and "OFF position", for example. The control device operates both the harvesting device 42 and the threshing device 43 when the work clutch lever 35 is in the "harvesting position", stops the harvesting device 42 and operates the threshing device 43 when it is in the "threshing position", and stops both the harvesting device 42 and the threshing device 43 when it is in the "OFF position".

[0041] Furthermore, a sub-transmission lever 36 is located between the driver's seat 31 and the side column 34, that is, to the left of the driver's seat 31. The sub-transmission lever 36 is a lever-type operating device used to switch the travel speed of the machine 40, and is operated by the user U1 to move (i.e., switch) between, for example, the "ridge crossing position", the "working position", and the "neutral position". The control device sets the travel speed to a suitable speed for crossing ridges or loading and unloading the work machine 4 onto a truck when the sub-transmission lever 36 is in the "ridge crossing position", and sets the travel speed to a suitable speed for harvesting work and moving the work machine 4 when it is in the "working position".

[0042] The operating device 1, which acts as the main gear shift lever, the work clutch lever 35, and the auxiliary gear shift lever 36 are all located on one side (the left side in this embodiment) of the driver's seat 31 in the left-right direction D3. Therefore, a user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31 will normally operate the operating device 1, the work clutch lever 35, and the auxiliary gear shift lever 36 with their left hand.

[0043] [3] Configuration of the operating device Next, the configuration of the operating device 1 of the work machine 4 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1, 6 to 9. In Figures 1, 6 to 9, only the operating device 1 is shown, and the other components are not shown.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the operating device 1 is a lever-type operating tool, the posture (orientation, etc.) of the operating device 1 changes appropriately with operations (second operations) that involve the movement of the body 10. Therefore, the posture of the operating device 1 can change appropriately with respect to the vertical direction D1, the front-rear direction D2, and the left-right direction D3, which are defined with respect to the machine body 40 of the work machine 4. In the following explanation, we will assume that the posture of the operating device 1 is such that the longitudinal direction of the body 10 coincides with the vertical direction D1, and the operating surface 101 of the body 10 faces backward, as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0045] The operating device 1 according to this embodiment is mounted on the body 40 of the work machine 4 and is an operating device that receives operations from a user U1. As shown in Figure 1, the operating device 1 comprises a body 10 and an object to be operated 11. The body 10 includes an operating surface 101 on a part of its surface. The object to be operated 11 is positioned on the operating surface 101. The operating device 1 is configured to receive a first operation which includes operations on the object to be operated 11, and a second operation which involves movement of the body 10. In short, the operating device 1 is capable of receiving at least two types of operations from the user U1: a "first operation" and a "second operation". Therefore, the user U1 can perform at least two types of operations, a "first operation" and a "second operation", using a single operating device 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, as an example, the operating surface 101 is provided on the surface of the body 10 on the side of the user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31, that is, on the rearward-facing portion (back). Here, the operating surface 101 is a flat plane, but the operating surface 101 is not limited to a plane, and may include, for example, a curved surface or a step.

[0047] Here, the operating object 11 includes multiple operators SW1 to SW9. In this embodiment, as an example, the operating object 11 includes nine operators SW1 to SW9, which consist of various types of mechanical switches such as push-button switches, joysticks, and seesaw switches. In other words, in this embodiment, the operating object 11 includes multiple types of operators SW1 to SW9. In the operating object 11, these multiple (nine in this embodiment) operators SW1 to SW9 are configured to be individually operable.

[0048] In other words, the "first operation," which includes operations on the target device 11, includes multiple types of operations on individual operators SW1 to SW9, such as operations on operator SW1 and operations on operator SW2. In this embodiment, the operating device 1 has a circuit board inside the body 10, and when it receives a first operation on the target device 11 from user U1 (i.e., operations on multiple operators SW1 to SW9), it outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the first operation. For example, when user U1 presses operator SW4, which is a push-button switch, the operating device 1 outputs an electrical signal indicating that operator SW4 has been operated.

[0049] On the other hand, the "second operation" involving the movement of the body 10 includes operations for adjusting the forward, reverse, and travel speed of the travel device 41 as described above. In other words, in this embodiment, since the operating device 1 is a lever-type operating tool used as the main gear shift lever, it can accept operations to move the body 10 between the "forward position," the "reverse position," and the "neutral position" as the "second operation." Therefore, when the operating device 1 receives a second operation from user U1 involving the movement of the body 10 from the "neutral position" to the "forward position" (i.e., forward), it causes the control device to control the travel device 41 to move the machine 40 forward at a travel speed corresponding to the amount of the second operation.

[0050] As described above, the operating device 1 according to this embodiment is normally operated by the left hand of a user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31. Generally, as shown in Figure 1, user U1 operates the operating device 1 (including the first and second operations) while gripping the body 10 with their left hand, with their thumb (first finger) on the front side of the body 10, i.e., the side facing the operating surface 101. At this time, the fingers of user U1's left hand other than the thumb, i.e., the index finger (second finger), middle finger (third finger), ring finger (fourth finger), and little finger (fifth finger), are positioned on the back side 102 (see Figure 7) of the body 10, opposite to the operating surface 101. In this state, when performing the "first operation," user U1 operates the individual controls SW1 to SW9 with the thumb of their left hand. When performing the "second operation," user U1 moves the body 10, which is gripped in their left hand, in the front-rear direction D2.

[0051] Thus, since user U1 operates the operating device 1 while gripping the body 10 with one hand (the left hand in this embodiment), the body 10 is sized to be grasped by a person with one hand and is formed in a grip shape with length in the vertical direction D1. More specifically, the dimensions of the body 10 are not uniform in the left-right direction D3, and the lower part, which is on the shaft 100 side in the vertical direction D1, is smaller (thinner) in the left-right direction D3. In other words, the upper part of the body 10 is configured to be relatively wide in the left-right direction D3, ensuring the width dimension (left-right direction D3) of the operating surface 101. Furthermore, the operating device 1 is equipped with a handrest 13 that protrudes to the left from the lower part of the body 10. The handrest 13 supports the weight of user U1's left hand, thereby reducing fatigue for user U1 while gripping the body 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, as an example, the following operations are assigned to each of the multiple operators SW1 to SW9 included in the operating target 11. Operator SW1, which consists of a joystick (stick operator), is an operator for operating the automatic horizontal control (UFO) that maintains the machine body 40 horizontally from left to right. Operator SW2, which consists of a seesaw switch, is an operator for adjusting the threshing depth. For example, pressing the right end of operator SW2 deepens the threshing depth, and pressing the left end of operator SW2 shallows the threshing depth. Operator SW3, which consists of a seesaw switch, is an operator for manually raising and lowering the harvesting device 42. For example, pressing the upper end of operator SW3 lowers the harvesting device 42, and pressing the lower end of operator SW3 raises the harvesting device 42. Operator SW4, which consists of a push-button switch, is an operator for changing the speed of the harvesting device 42. Operator SW5, which consists of a push-button switch, is an operator for forcibly activating the feed chain. The push-button switch SW6 is an auto-lift switch for raising the harvesting device 42 to the set position. The push-button switch SW7 is an auto-set switch for lowering the harvesting device 42 to the auto-set height. The push-button switch SW8 is an operator for changing the sub-speed. The push-button switch SW9 is a spare button.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, these multiple controls SW1 to SW9 are distributed on the operating surface 101 in the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D3. Specifically, control SW1 is located in the upper left corner of the operating surface 101, control SW2 is located below control SW1, and control SW3 is located below control SW2. At the right end of the operating surface 101, four controls SW4 to SW7 are arranged in the vertical direction D1 from top to bottom in the order of controls SW4, SW5, SW6, and SW7. Control SW8 is located on the operating surface 101 below controls SW3 and SW7, and between controls SW3 and SW7 in the horizontal direction D3. Control SW9 is located on the operating surface 101 in the position enclosed by controls SW2 and SW3, that is, below control SW2 and to the left of control SW3.

[0054] In the work machine 4 according to this embodiment, the operation frequency of the seesaw switches SW2 and SW3 among the multiple operators SW1 to SW9 is particularly high, so these operators SW2 and SW3 are positioned in a relatively easy-to-operate location on the operating surface 101. In other words, these operators SW2 and SW3 are positioned off-center to the left end of the operating surface 101 in the left-right direction D3 so that they are easily reachable by the left thumb of the user U1 operating the operators SW2 and SW3. As a result, operators SW2 and SW3 are easier to operate compared to operators SW4 to SW7 which are located to the right of them.

[0055] Furthermore, the orientation of the seesaw switches SW2 and SW3 is also designed to take into consideration the operability of the user U1. Specifically, the operator SW2, which is located relatively above, is positioned so that its operating direction (longitudinal direction) aligns with the left-right direction D3. The operator SW3, which is located relatively below, is positioned so that its operating direction (longitudinal direction) aligns with the up-down direction D1. More specifically, the operator SW2 is positioned slightly to the left so that its right end is above the operator SW3. Moreover, the operator SW2 is positioned at an angle to the left-right direction D3 so that its right end is slightly lower than its left end. As a result, the operators SW2 and SW3 are positioned along a virtual circle C1 centered on a virtual point P1 (only a portion of the circumference is shown in Figure 6), as shown in Figure 6.

[0056] Therefore, user U1 can position the base of their left thumb near the virtual point P1 and rotate their thumb using the base as a pivot point, thereby enabling them to operate the controls SW2 and SW3, which are positioned along the trajectory of the tip of their thumb (virtual circle C1), with the tip of their thumb. In other words, by moving the tip of their thumb along the virtual circle C1, user U1 can operate the controls SW2 and SW3 by sliding the tip of their thumb over the controls while keeping it in contact with the operating device 1. As a result, user U1 can operate the controls SW2 and SW3 without visually looking at the operating device 1, improving operability.

[0057] In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to make it difficult for accidental operations of other operators SW4 to SW9 to occur when the operators SW2 and SW3 are operated, the protruding amounts of some of the operators SW5, SW8, and SW9 from the operation surface 101 are set to be small. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the protruding amount H1 of the operator SW8 or the like from the operation surface 101 is smaller than the protruding amount H2 of the operator SW7 or the like from the operation surface 101, the protruding amount H3 of the operator SW3 or the like from the operation surface 101, etc. (H1 < H2 < H3). The protruding amounts of the operators SW5, SW8, and SW9 from the operation surface 101 are the same and are the smallest among the plurality of operators SW1 to SW9. The operators SW5, SW8, and SW9 with the small protruding amounts are located on the trajectory of the thumb when the operators SW2 and SW3 are operated. That is, the operator SW5 is located to the right on the extension line of the operation direction (left - right direction D3) of the operator SW2, and the operator SW8 is located below on the extension line of the operation direction (up - down direction D1) of the operator SW3. The operator SW9 is located on the base - side of the thumb. By suppressing the protruding amounts of the operators SW5, SW8, and SW9 on the trajectory of the thumb, that is, the height with respect to the operation surface 101 to be lower than others, it is difficult for accidental operations of the operators SW5, SW8, and SW9 to occur when the operators SW2 and SW3 are operated.

[0058] By the way, depending on how the body 10 of the operating device 1 is held, for example, when the body 10 itself is moved, such as a forward operation (second operation), the palm of the user U1's hand may face the operation surface 101. Specifically, when the user U1 holds (grasps) the body 10 from above like an eagle's grip with the palm of the left hand facing downward during the second operation, the palm of the left hand faces the operation surface 101. The operating device 1 according to the present embodiment adopts the following configuration so that accidental operations of the operation target 11 arranged on the operation surface 101 are less likely to occur even when the user U1 operates the body 10 in this state.

[0059] In other words, the operating device 1 according to this embodiment further includes an error prevention part 12 that protrudes from the operating surface 101, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the error prevention part 12 is integrally formed with the body 10 so as to protrude rearward from the operating surface 101 facing the user U1 side (rear). That is, in this embodiment, the error prevention part 12 is integrated so as to be seamlessly continuous with the body 10. Also, in this embodiment, as an example, the body 10, the operating object 11, the error prevention part 12, and the handrest 13 are all made of resin, but are not limited to this, and at least a part of them may be made of metal or the like.

[0060] With this configuration, even if the user U1 grips the body 10 with their palm facing the operating surface 101, the malfunction prevention unit 12 makes it difficult for the operating object 11 to be operated incorrectly. In short, because the malfunction prevention unit 12 protrudes from the operating surface 101, even if the user U1 operates the body 10 with their palm facing the operating surface 101, a gap is maintained between the user U1's palm and the operating surface 101 by the malfunction prevention unit 12. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the user U1's palm to touch the operating object 11 located on the operating surface 101, making it difficult for the user U1 to operate the operating object 11 unintentionally. As a result, the operating device 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to realize an operating device for a work machine and a work machine 4 that are easy to prevent malfunctions from occurring.

[0061] The configuration of the error prevention unit 12 will be explained in more detail below.

[0062] In this embodiment, the malfunction prevention section 12 includes wall portions 121, 122, and 123 arranged along the outer circumference of the operating surface 101. In other words, the malfunction prevention section 12 is a wall-like (or rib-like) portion having length along the outer circumference of the operating surface 101. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, the malfunction prevention section 12 includes a (left) wall portion 121 located on the left side of the operating surface 101, an (upper) wall portion 122 located above the operating surface 101, and a (right) wall portion 123 located on the right side of the operating surface 101. These three wall portions 121, 122, and 123 are provided to be seamlessly continuous along the outer circumference of the operating surface 101. The wall portions 121, 122, and 123 have a thickness sufficient to achieve the desired strength. Each of the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 is configured such that the inner surface facing the operating surface 101 when viewed from the front rises approximately perpendicularly from the outer edge of the operating surface 101. Furthermore, each of the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 has an outer surface opposite to the operating surface 101 when viewed from the front that is flush with the outer surface of the body 10. By having such wall portions 121, 122, and 123, the misoperation prevention portion 12 can easily secure a gap between the user U1's palm, etc., and the operating surface 101 over a wide area of ​​the operating surface 101, and can efficiently prevent misoperation of the object to be operated 11.

[0063] Furthermore, the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 are arranged only on a portion of the outer periphery of the operating surface 101. That is, the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 are not arranged along the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the operating surface 101, but rather on a portion of the outer periphery of the operating surface 101. In other words, the outer periphery of the operating surface 101 has areas where the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 are arranged and areas where they are not arranged. In this embodiment, the (left) wall portion 121 is arranged along the left edge of the operating surface 101, the (upper) wall portion 122 is arranged along the upper edge of the operating surface 101, and the (right) wall portion 123 is arranged along the right edge of the operating surface 101. Therefore, there are no wall portions on the lower edge of the operating surface 101, and the operating surface 101 is configured to be open downwards. This improves the operability of the object to be operated 11 placed on the operating surface 101 compared to the case where the entire outer perimeter of the operating surface 101 is surrounded by walls 121, 122, and 123.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the error prevention section 12 is positioned at least at both ends of the operating surface 101 in the width direction (left-right direction D3). The protrusion amounts H11 and H12 of the error prevention section 12 from the operating surface 101 are greater for the portion located on the side farther from the user U1 in the width direction (left-right direction D3) of the operating surface 101 than for the portion located on the side closer to the user. In this embodiment, the error prevention section 12 includes a (left) wall portion 121, an (upper) wall portion 122, and a (right) wall portion 123, of which walls 121 and 123 are located at both ends of the operating surface 101 in the width direction (left-right direction D3). The protrusion amounts H11 and H12 of these walls 121, 122, and 123 from the operating surface 101, that is, their height relative to the operating surface 101, are not uniform but differ depending on the portion.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the wall portion 121 located on the side furthest from the user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31, i.e., the left side in the left-right direction D3, is higher than the wall portion 123 located on the side closer to the user U1, i.e., the right side in the left-right direction D3. In other words, in Figure 7, the amount of protrusion H12 of the wall portion 123 on the near side of the paper (right side) relative to the operator SW1 is smaller than the amount of protrusion H11 of the wall portion 121 on the far side of the paper (left side) relative to the operator SW1 (H11 > H12). Here, since the amount of protrusion of wall portion 121 or wall portion 123 is not constant, Figure 7 defines the amounts of protrusion H11 and H12 of wall portions 121 and 123 on both sides in the left-right direction D3 of the operator SW1. With this configuration, the amount of protrusion (height) of the error prevention unit 12 is suppressed on the front side of the operating surface 101 as seen from the user U1, thereby suppressing the reduction in visibility of the operating surface 101 caused by the error prevention unit 12.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the amount of protrusion H11 of the malfunction prevention unit 12 from the operating surface 101 is greater than the amount of protrusion H4 of the target device 11 from the operating surface 101 (H11 > H4). Here, the amount of protrusion H11 of the (upper) wall portion 122 is the largest among the multiple wall portions 121, 122, and 123. Therefore, the amount of protrusion H11 of the malfunction prevention unit 12 from the operating surface 101 is determined by the amount of protrusion H11 of the wall portion 122. Similarly, the amount of protrusion H4 of the operator SW1 is the largest among the multiple operators SW1 to SW9 (H4 > H3). Therefore, the amount of protrusion H4 of the target device 11 from the operating surface 101 is determined by the amount of protrusion H4 of the operator SW1. In other words, the amount of protrusion H11 of the malfunction prevention unit 12 from the operating surface 101 is greater than any of the multiple operators SW1 to SW9. With this configuration, the malfunction prevention unit 12 makes contact with the palm of the user U1, making it easier to secure a gap between the target of operation 11 (multiple operators SW1 to SW9) and the palm of the user U1, thereby efficiently preventing accidental operation of the target of operation 11.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the object to be operated 11 includes a joystick-type operator SW1 (stick operator). This operator SW1 has a stick 14 (see Figure 6) that protrudes from the operating surface 101 and accepts operations that tilt the stick 14. The operator SW1 is located in the upper left corner of the operating surface 101, surrounded by the (left) wall portion 121 and the (upper) wall portion 122. In short, the object to be operated 11 includes a stick operator (operator SW1) that is operated to tilt the stick 14 that protrudes from the operating surface 101. The error prevention unit 12 is arranged around the stick operator (operator SW1) so as to surround it from at least two directions. That is, in this embodiment, the error prevention unit 12 surrounds the operator SW1 from the left with the (left) wall portion 121 and surrounds the operator SW1 from above with the (upper) wall portion 122. With this configuration, the malfunction prevention unit 12 effectively prevents accidental operation of the control element SW1 caused by the user U1's hand unintentionally touching the stick 14 and tilting the stick 14.

[0068] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 9, the operating device 1 according to this embodiment has a hook portion 15 on the body 10. The hook portion 15 is provided on the back surface 102 of the body 10, which faces away from the operating surface 101. In this embodiment, the operating surface 101 faces towards the user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31, that is, towards the rear, so the back surface 102 is the surface facing away from the user U1 seated in the driver's seat 31, that is, towards the front. The hook portion 15 has a shape and size that allows the user U1's fingers to hook onto it. Specifically, when the user U1 grips the body 10 with their left hand (see Figure 1), they hook at least one of their left index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger onto the hook portion 15.

[0069] In other words, in this embodiment, the body 10 has a hook portion 15 on the back surface 102 opposite to the operating surface 101, which allows the user U1's fingers to hook onto it. This makes it easier for the user U1 to grip the body 10 with one hand, as it provides a place for the fingers to grip when the user U1 grasps the body 10. Furthermore, during the first operation, the user U1 can operate the target object 11 with their thumb while hooking their index finger or the like onto the hook portion 15, thus stabilizing the position of the base of the thumb, which acts as a pivot point, and reducing the likelihood of erroneous operation. Moreover, during the second operation, the user U1 can grip the body 10 while hooking their index finger or the like onto the hook portion 15, making it less likely for the body 10 to slip out of the hand, especially when moving the body 10 backward, thus reducing the likelihood of erroneous operation.

[0070] Furthermore, the hook portion 15 has length in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. In this embodiment, as described above, the body 10 has length in the vertical direction D1. Therefore, the hook portion 15 is also configured to have length in the vertical direction D1. That is, the body 10 has length. The hook portion 15 extends along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction D1) of the body 10. This allows the user U1 to use the hook portion 15 as a guide when moving their left hand while hooking their index finger or the like onto the hook portion 15. Specifically, the user U1 can move their left hand stably in the longitudinal direction of the body 10 by sliding their index finger or the like hooked onto the hook portion 15 in the longitudinal direction of the hook portion 15. Therefore, for example, when the user U1 moves the position of the base of their thumb during the first operation, the position and posture of the left hand are stabilized, and errors are less likely to occur.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hook portion 15 protrudes from the back surface 102. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, the central part of the back surface 102, located on the back side of the operating surface 101, protrudes from the back surface 102 in a raised manner, thereby forming the hook portion 15. In Figures 7 and 9, the portion that is one step higher than the back surface 102 due to the step 151, that is, the portion that is surrounded by the step 151 and protrudes one step forward from the back surface 102, becomes the hook portion 15. In other words, in this embodiment, the hook portion 15 is integrated so as to be seamlessly continuous with the body 10. This makes it possible to provide the hook portion 15 without narrowing the internal space of the body 10, and makes it easier to secure space for housing circuit boards and the like inside the body 10.

[0072] Incidentally, with respect to the operating device 1, the configuration relating to the arrangement of the operating targets 11 (multiple operators SW1 to SW9), the configuration relating to the error prevention unit 12, and the configuration relating to the hooking unit 15 can each be adopted independently. In other words, for example, the operating device 1 may omit the hooking unit 15 and adopt only the error prevention unit 12, or conversely, the error prevention unit 12 may be omitted and adopt only the hooking unit 15. Similarly, the operating device 1 may omit both the error prevention unit 12 and the hooking unit 15 and adopt only the configuration relating to the arrangement of the operating targets 11 (multiple operators SW1 to SW9).

[0073] Furthermore, with respect to the operating device 1, the body 10 may be configured to allow the orientation of the operating surface 101 to be changed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the body 10 is supported by the shaft 100 with its tip (upper end) inserted into the body 10 so that the body 10 can pivot (rotate) around the central axis of the shaft 100. Here, the body 10 is fixed to the shaft 100 by one or more (two in Figure 10) fixing screws 103. The shaft 100 has multiple (three in Figure 10) fixing holes 104a, 104b, and 104c that are offset in the pivoting direction of the body 10 (circumferential direction of the shaft 100) for each fixing screw 103. In Figure 10, since there are two fixing screws 103, a total of six fixing holes 104a, 104b, and 104c are formed on the shaft 100. Each fixing screw 103 is secured to one of the multiple fixing holes 104a, 104b, and 104c. Therefore, the mounting angle of the body 10 relative to the shaft 100 changes depending on which of the multiple fixing holes 104a, 104b, and 104c each fixing screw 103 is secured to, and the orientation of the operating surface 101 is changed. In other words, in the example in Figure 10, there are three fixing holes 104a, 104b, and 104c for one fixing screw 103, so the orientation of the operating surface 101 can be changed in three stages.

[0074] This configuration allows the orientation (angle) of the operating surface 101 relative to the user U1 to be changed, thereby improving usability for the user U1. However, the example in Figure 10 is not the only one; for example, the orientation of the operating surface 101 may be changed in two or four or more steps, or it may be continuously adjustable.

[0075] [4] Modified form The following lists some modifications of Embodiment 1. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0076] The working machine 4 is not limited to a self-propelled combine harvester, but may also be a conventional combine harvester or any other harvesting machine. Furthermore, the working machine 4 may also be any agricultural machinery other than a harvesting machine, or construction machinery, etc. The target of harvesting by the working machine 4 is not limited to "wheat," nor is it limited to grains. The harvesting device 42 is not limited to "6-row harvesting," but may be, for example, 2-row harvesting, 3-row harvesting, 4-row harvesting, 5-row harvesting, or 7-row harvesting, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, it is not essential that the malfunction prevention section 12 includes wall portions 121, 122, and 123 arranged along the outer circumference of the operating surface 101. The malfunction prevention section 12 may, for example, consist of multiple dowel-shaped protrusions appropriately positioned. Also, the wall portions 121, 122, and 123 are not limited to a part of the outer circumference of the operating surface 101, but may be provided around the entire outer circumference of the operating surface 101. In addition, the protrusion amounts H11 and H12 of the malfunction prevention section 12 from the operating surface 101 may be uniform regardless of the location. Furthermore, the protrusion amount H11 of the malfunction prevention section 12 from the operating surface 101 may be less than or equal to the protrusion amount H4 of the operating surface 101 of the target device 11. Also, the stick operator (operator SW1) does not need to be arranged to surround the stick operator (operator SW1) from at least two directions.

[0078] Furthermore, the driver's unit 47 is not limited to a cabin type; for example, it may be a canopy type or a floor type. In other words, the types of driver's units 47 for work machines 4 such as combine harvesters include cabin type, canopy type, and floor type. As described above, the cabin type driver's unit 47 is equipped with a cabin 471, and the user U1 sits in the cabin space inside the cabin 471, while the canopy type driver's unit 47 is equipped with a canopy (roof), and the user U1 sits in the space below the canopy. The floor type driver's unit 47 is not equipped with a cabin 471 or a canopy, and the user U1 sits in an open space above.

[0079] Furthermore, the entrance / exit to the driver's unit 47 is not limited to being located on the right side of the driver's unit 47, as in Embodiment 1. For example, the entrance / exit may be located on the left side of the driver's unit 47, or on both sides in the left-right direction D3.

[0080] Furthermore, the control object 11 only needs to be configured to accept input from user U1, and is not limited to push-button switches, joysticks, and seesaw switches, but may also include mechanical switches such as rotary switches, slide switches, or toggle switches. The control object 11 may also include operators other than mechanical switches, such as touch sensors (touch switches) that do not have movable parts. Moreover, the control object 11 is not limited to switches, but may also include, for example, variable resistors or encoders.

[0081] Furthermore, the assignment of operations to multiple operators SW1 to SW9 is not limited to the example described above. Moreover, it is not necessary for the target of operation 11 to contain nine operators SW1 to SW9; the target of operation 11 may contain one to eight operators, or nine or more operators.

[0082] Furthermore, the malfunction prevention unit 12 does not have to be integrated with the body 10. For example, the malfunction prevention unit 12, which is separate from the body 10, may be attached to the body 10 by fasteners such as screws or by adhesive.

[0083] Furthermore, the hook portion 15 does not have to be integrated with the body 10. For example, the hook portion 15, which is separate from the body 10, may be attached to the body 10 by fasteners such as screws or by adhesive.

[0084] Furthermore, the hook portion 15 does not necessarily have to extend along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction D1) of the body 10. The hook portion 15 is not limited to a shape that protrudes from the back surface 102, but may also be a recess such as a groove or a hole, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Operating device 4. Working Machines 10 Body 11. Target of Operation 12 Misoperation prevention section 14 Sticks 15 Hook part 40 aircraft 101 Operation surface 102 Back side 121,122,123 wall SW1 Control Unit (Stick Control Unit) U1 User H4 Protrusion amount of the object being operated on H11, H12 Protrusion amount of the malfunction prevention part

Claims

1. An operating device mounted on the body of a work machine that accepts operations from the user, The body includes an operating surface on part of its surface, The operating surface comprises an object to be operated on, A first operation including an operation on the target of the operation, It is configured to accept a second operation involving movement of the body in the front-rear direction, The operating surface further includes a part to prevent misoperation, The aforementioned malfunction prevention unit is arranged at least at both ends in the width direction of the operating surface, The amount of the malfunction prevention portion protruding from the operating surface is greater in the portion located on the side of the operating surface that is farther from the user in the width direction than in the portion located on the side that is closer to the user. An operating device for industrial machinery.

2. The malfunction prevention unit includes a wall portion arranged along the outer circumference of the operating surface, An operating device for a work machine according to claim 1.

3. The wall portion is located only on a part of the outer periphery of the operating surface. An operating device for a work machine according to claim 2.

4. The amount of the malfunction prevention part protruding from the operating surface is greater than the amount of the object being operated protruding from the operating surface. An operating device for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The body has a hook portion on the back surface opposite to the operating surface, which allows the user's fingers to be hooked onto it. An operating device for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The body has a length, The aforementioned hook portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the body. An operating device for a work machine according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned hook portion protrudes from the back surface, An operating device for a work machine according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The object to be operated includes a stick operator that is operated to tilt a stick protruding from the operating surface, The aforementioned malfunction prevention unit is arranged around the stick control so as to surround the stick control from at least two directions. An operating device for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The body is configured to allow the orientation of the operating surface to be changed. An operating device for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An operating device for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The aircraft comprises a body on which the aforementioned operating device is mounted, Agricultural machinery.

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