CAB AND WORK VEHICLE

- KOMATSU LTD.

The cab includes an operator's seat, a console disposed on a lateral side of the operator's seat, a control lever disposed in the console for controlling a work implement, and a monitor disposed in the console as a display unit. In a top view, the control lever and the monitor are disposed in this order from the operator's seat toward the outside.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cab and a work vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-136943 (PTL 1) discloses a hydraulic excavator equipped with a cab. A front corner of the cab is provided with a monitoring device having a flat display screen for performing various monitoring functions and a monitor for displaying the current position of the hydraulic excavator received from the outside.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-8122 (PTL 2) discloses a hydraulic excavator equipped with an operator's cab. A right side of the cab is provided with a control panel. The control panel is installed with a monitor.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-136943

PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-8122

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In the hydraulic excavator disclosed in PTL 1, since the monitoring device and the monitor are disposed in a front corner of the cab, there is a long distance from the operator's seat to the monitoring device and the monitor. Therefore, an operator seated in the operator's seat may feel difficult to have a clear view of the monitoring device and the monitor.

In the hydraulic excavator disclosed in PTL 2, the monitor is installed in the control panel provided on the right side of the cab. In this case, due to the structural reasons that the monitor is integrated with the side wall of the operator's cab, it is difficult to bring the monitor close to the operator's seat by a certain amount or more in the leftward and rightward direction. Therefore, the operator seated in the operator's seat may feel difficult to have a clear view of the monitor.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a cab which enables an operator a clear view of a display unit, and a work vehicle equipped with such a cab.

Solution to Problem

A cab according to the present disclosure includes an operator's seat, a console, a control lever, and a display unit. The console is disposed on a lateral side of the operator's seat. The control lever is disposed in the console. The control lever is used to control a work implement. The display unit is disposed in the console. In a top view, the control lever and the display unit are disposed in this order from the operator's seat toward the outside.

A work vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a cab and a work implement. The work implement is controlled by the control lever.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cab which enables an operator a clear view of the display unit, and a work vehicle equipped with such a cab.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hydraulic excavator;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating the cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating an operator's seat and components on the right side of the operator's seat in the cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an operator's seat and components on the right side of the operator's seat in the cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the inside of the cab in the arrow direction of line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 7;

    • FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the cab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a structure for attaching the monitor to the console;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view illustrating a structure for attaching the monitor to the console;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating still another structure for attaching the monitor to the console;

FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end;

FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end; and

FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components having the same names and the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hydraulic excavator. First, the overall structure of a hydraulic excavator equipped with a cab according to the present embodiment will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hydraulic excavator 100 includes a vehicle body 11 and a work implement 12. The vehicle body 11 includes a revolving unit 13 and a travel unit 15.

The travel unit 15 is provided with a pair of crawler belts 15Cr and a travel motor 15M. The hydraulic excavator 100 travels by the rolling of the pair of crawler belts 15Cr. The travel motor 15M is provided as a driving source for the travel unit 15. Alternatively, the travel unit 15 may be provided with wheels (tires).

The revolving unit 13 is disposed on the travel unit 15. The revolving unit 13 is configured to revolve about a revolving center 26 with respect to the travel unit 15. The revolving center 26 is an axis extending in the upward and downward direction. The revolving unit 13 includes a cab (operator's room) 30. A living space 120 of an operator is formed in the cab 30. An operator's seat 31 is disposed in the living space 120 of the operator. The operator gets into the living space 120, seats on the operator's seat 31, and operates the hydraulic excavator 100.

The revolving unit 13 includes an engine compartment 19 and a counterweight disposed at a rear portion of the revolving unit 13. The engine compartment 19 houses therein an engine, a hydraulic oil tank, an air cleaner, a hydraulic pump, and the like.

The work implement 12 is attached to the vehicle body 11. The work implement 12 is attached to the revolving unit 13. The work implement 12 performs works such as land excavation and the like. The work implement 12 includes a boom 16, an arm 17, and a bucket 18.

The boom 16 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 11 (the revolving unit 13) via a boom pin 23. The arm 17 is rotatably connected to the boom 16 via an arm pin 24. The bucket 18 is rotatably connected to the arm 17 via a bucket pin 25.

The work implement 12 further includes a boom cylinder 20A, a boom cylinder 20B, an arm cylinder 21, and a bucket cylinder 22.

The boom cylinder 20A, the boom cylinder 20B, the arm cylinder 21, and the bucket cylinder 22 are hydraulic cylinders driven by hydraulic oil. The boom cylinder 20A and the boom cylinder 20B are disposed in pair on both sides of the boom 16 and configured to rotate the boom 16. The arm cylinder 21 is configured to rotate the arm 17. The bucket cylinder 22 is configured to rotate the bucket 18.

In the present specification, the forward and rearward direction refers to a forward direction and a rearward direction of the operator seated on the operator's seat 31. The direction facing the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 is defined as the forward direction, and the direction rearward the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 is defined as the rearward direction. The leftward and rightward direction (lateral direction) refers to a leftward direction and a rightward direction of the operator seated on the operator's seat 31. When the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 faces the forward direction, the right side of the operator is defined as the rightward direction, and the left side of the operator is defined as the leftward direction. The upward and downward direction refers to a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by the forward and rearward direction and the leftward and rightward direction. The side downward the ground is defined as a downward direction, and the side upward the sky is defined as an upward direction.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating the cab of FIG. 1. The structure of the cab 30 will be described hereinafter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cab 30 is a rectangular parallelepiped box having a front face 30A, a rear face 30B, a right side face 30C, a left side face 30D, a top face 30E, and a bottom face 30F.

The front face 30A is disposed to face the forward direction. The rear face 30B is disposed to face the rearward direction. The right side face 30C is disposed to face the rightward direction. The right side face 30C faces the work implement 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 in the leftward and rightward direction. The left side face 30D is disposed to face the leftward direction. The top face 30E is disposed to face the upward direction. The bottom face 30F is disposed to face the downward direction.

The cab 30 includes a floor member 40, a pillar member 42L, a pair of left and right pillar members 43 (43L, 43R), a pair of left and right pillar members 44 (44L, 44R), beam members 51, 52 and 53, a pair of left and right girder members 54 (54L, 54R), and a pair of left and right girder members 55 (55L, 55R).

The floor member 40, the pillar member 42L, the pillar members 43, the pillar members 44, the beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder members 54, and the girder members 55 are integrated with each other by welding so as to form a cab frame.

The floor member 40 is disposed on the bottom face 30F. The floor member 40 is made of a plate material (for example, a steel plate).

The pillar member 42L, the pillar member 43, the pillar member 44, the beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder member 54, and the girder member 55 are made of a frame member longer in one direction. The pillar member 42L, the pillar member 43, the pillar member 44, the beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder member 54, and the girder member 55 are disposed around the living space 120 of the operator illustrated in FIG. 1. The living space 120 of the operator is surrounded by the pillar member 42L, the pillar member 43, the pillar member 44, the beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder member 54, and the girder member 55.

The pillar members 42L, 43 and 44 are disposed on the floor member 40 in the upward and downward direction. The pillar members 42L, 43 and 44 are connected to the floor member 40. The pillar members 42L, 43 and 44 extend between the top face 30E and the bottom face 30F in the upward and downward direction.

The pillar member 42L is disposed at a corner where the front face 30A and the left side face 30D intersect with each other. The pillar member 42L is disposed at the front end of the front face 30A. The pillar member 42L is disposed in front of the operator's seat 31 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The pillar members 43L and 43R are spaced from each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The pillar members 43L and 43R are disposed at positions opposed to each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The pillar members 43L and 43R are disposed on both lateral sides of the operator's seat 31 illustrated in FIG. 1. The pillar member 43L is disposed on the left side face 30D. The pillar member 43R is disposed on the right side face 30C. The pillar members 43L and 43R are disposed behind the pillar member 42L.

The pillar member 44L and the pillar member 44R are spaced from each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The pillar members 44L and 44R are disposed at positions opposed to each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The pillar member 44L is disposed at a corner where the left side face 30D and the rear face 30B intersect with each other. The pillar member 44L is disposed at the rear end of the left side face 30D. The pillar member 44R is disposed at a corner where the right side face 30C and the rear face 30B intersect with each other. The pillar member 44R is disposed at the rear end of the right side face 30C. The pillar members 44L and 44R are disposed behind the pillar members 43L and 43R. The pillar members 44L and 44R are disposed behind the operator's seat 31 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder member 54, and the girder member 55 are disposed on the top face 30E. The beam member 51, the beam member 52, and the beam member 53 extend in the leftward and rightward direction. The girder members 54 and 55 extend in the forward and rearward direction.

The beam member 51 is disposed at a corner where the front face 30A and the top face 30E intersect with each other. The left end of the beam member 51 is connected to a joint between the pillar member 42L and the girder member 54L described later. The right end of the beam member 51 is connected to the front end of a girder member 54R to be described later.

The beam member 52 is disposed behind the beam member 51. The right end of the beam member 52 is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43R. The left end of the beam member 52 is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43L.

The beam member 53 is disposed at a corner where the top face 30E and the rear face 30B intersect with each other. The beam member 53 is disposed behind the beam member 52. The right end of the beam member 53 is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 44R. The left end of the beam member 53 is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 44L.

The girder members 54L and 54R are spaced from each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The girder members 54L and 54R are disposed at positions opposed to each other in the leftward and rightward direction.

The girder member 54L is disposed at a corner where the left side face 30D and the top face 30E intersect with each other. The front end of the girder member 54L is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 42L. The girder member 54L and the pillar member 42L are made of an integral frame member. The rear end of the girder member 54L is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43L. The girder members 54R are disposed at a corner where the right side face 30C and the top face 30E intersect with each other. The rear end of the girder member 54R is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43R.

The girder members 55L and 55R are spaced from each other in the leftward and rightward direction. The girder members 55L and 55R are disposed at positions opposed to each other in the leftward and rightward direction.

The girder member 55L is disposed at a corner where the left side face 30D and the top face 30E intersect with each other. The front end of the girder member 55L is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43L. The rear end of the girder member 55L is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 44L. The girder member 55R is disposed at a corner where the right side face 30C and the top face 30E intersect with each other. The front end of the girder member 55R is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 43R. The rear end of the girder member 55L is connected to the upper end of the pillar member 44R.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cab 30 further includes a bracket 41. The bracket 41 is configured to connect a joint between the beam member 51 and the girder member 54R to the right front end of the floor member 40.

The bracket 41 is disposed to replace a frame member that would be otherwise disposed in pair with the pillar member 42L. In comparison with the case where the frame members are welded to each other so as to form the cab frame, the bracket 41 may be attached to or detached from the cab frame by bolts or the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cab 30 further includes a roof member 45 and a door member 32. The roof member 45 is disposed on the top face 30E. The roof member 45 is made of a plate material (for example, a steel plate). The roof member 45 is disposed on the beam members 51, 52 and 53, the girder member 54, and the girder member 55.

The door member 32 is disposed on the left side face 30D and may be opened or closed. The door member 32 is opened or closed when the operator gets into or out of the living space 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cab 30 further includes a front transparent member 46 and a lateral transparent member 48. The front transparent member 46 and the lateral transparent member 48 may be made of a transparent material through which light can pass. The front transparent member 46 and the lateral transparent member 48 may be made of, for example, glass or acrylic.

The front transparent member 46 is disposed on the front face 30A. The front transparent member 46 is disposed between the pillar member 42L and the bracket 41 in the leftward and rightward direction. The front transparent member 46 is disposed in front of the pillar member 43. The front transparent member 46 is disposed in front of the operator's seat 31.

The lateral transparent member 48 is disposed on the right side face 30C. The lateral transparent member 48 is disposed across the bracket 41, the pillar member 43R and the pillar member 44R in the forward and rearward direction. The lateral transparent member 48 may be disposed only between the bracket 41 and the pillar member 43R in the forward and rearward direction.

The front transparent member 46 includes an upper transparent member 46P and a lower transparent member 46Q. The upper transparent member 46P is disposed above the lower transparent member 46Q.

The lower transparent member 46Q and the lateral transparent member 48 are fixed to the cab, while the upper transparent member 46P is movable, i.e., openable and closable. The upper transparent member 46P may be moved to a position to open the front face 30A or to a position to close the front face 30A. When the upper transparent member 46P is moved to the position to open the front face 30A, the upper transparent member 46P is moved toward the top face 30E.

In the hydraulic excavator 100, in order for the operator in the cab 30 to confirm the works performed by the work implement 12, it is required to ensure the operator a clear field of view in the diagonally right forward direction. Thus, the bracket 41 is disposed at a position in the diagonally right forward direction of the operator to replace the frame member that would be otherwise disposed in pair with the pillar member 42L. Since the bracket 41 is not a member that ensures strength like a frame member constituting the cab frame, the bracket 41 may be made thinner, which makes it possible to further improve the field of view of the operator in the diagonally right forward direction.

Alternatively, the bracket 41 may not be disposed at a position in the diagonally right forward direction of the operator, and the front transparent member and the lateral transparent member may be fixed in such a manner that they are joined to each other by abutting against each other.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the cab of FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the operator's seat 31 includes a seat cushion 37, a seatback 36, and a headrest 38.

The seat cushion 37 is disposed parallel to the floor member 40. The seat cushion 37 is a member on which the operator is seated. The seatback 36 is disposed so as to rise upward from the rear end of the seat cushion 37. The seatback 36 is a member for supporting the back of the operator. The headrest 38 is disposed at the upper end of the seatback 36. The headrest 38 is a member for supporting the head of the operator.

The cab 30 further includes a suspension mechanism 39. The suspension mechanism 39 is disposed below the operator's seat 31 (the seat cushion 37). The operator's seat 31 is attached on the floor member 40 via the suspension mechanism 39. The suspension mechanism 39 elastically supports the operator's seat 31.

The cab 30 further includes a pair of left and right consoles 61 (61L, 61R) and a pair of left and right armrests 56 (56L, 56R).

The pair of consoles 61 are disposed on both sides of the operator's seat 31. The console 61L is disposed on the left side of the operator's seat 31. The console 61R is disposed on the right side of the operator's seat 31. The pair of armrests 56 are disposed on both sides of the operator's seat 31. The pair of armrests 56 are disposed above the pair of consoles 61, respectively. The armrest 56L is disposed on the left side of the operator's seat 31. The armrest 56R is disposed on the right side of the operator's seat 31. The pair of armrests 56 are used by the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 to rest his/her arms.

The cab 30 further includes a control lever 71 and a control lever 76. The control lever 71 and the control lever 76 are operated by an operator to control the work implement 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. The control lever 71 and the control lever 76 are disposed on both sides of the operator's seat 31.

The control lever 71 is disposed on the right side of the operator's seat 31. The control lever 71 is disposed in the console 61R. The control lever 71 is disposed in front of the armrest 56R. The control lever 71 projects upward from the console 61R. The control lever 71 is disposed closer to the front end of the console 61R than to the rear end of the console 61R. The control lever 71 is disposed in front of the seatback 36. The control lever 71 is disposed above the seat cushion 37.

The control lever 76 is disposed on the left side of the operator's seat 31. The control lever 76 is disposed in the console 61L. The control lever 76 and the control lever 71 are symmetrical in the leftward and rightward direction.

The cab 30 further includes a monitor 81 and an operation unit 80. The monitor 81 displays various kinds of information related to the operation of the hydraulic excavator 100.

The monitor 81 displays various indications such as an engine water temperature, an operation mode, a travel speed, and a fuel indicator reading. The monitor 81 is a touch panel monitor. The monitor 81 displays various operation switches such as an operation mode selection switch, a travel speed selection switch, a windshield wiper switch, and a screen selection switch.

The monitor 81 may be configured to display an image of the periphery of the hydraulic excavator 100 captured by a camera. The monitor 81 may be configured to display the current position of the hydraulic excavator 100, the position of teeth of the bucket, the excavation/design data, and the like received from the outside.

The operation unit 80 includes various switches and dials for controlling the hydraulic excavator 100.

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating an operator's seat inside the cab of FIG. 1 and components on the right side of the operator's seat, FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an operator's seat inside the cab of FIG. 1 and components on the right side of the operator's seat, and FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the inside of the cab in the arrow direction of line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the monitor 81 and the operation unit 80 are disposed in the console 61R.

The cab 30 further includes a bracket 62. The bracket 62 is attached to the console 61R. The monitor 81 and the operation unit 80 are supported by the bracket 62. The monitor 81 and the operation unit 80 are attached to the console 61R through the intermediary of the bracket 62. The console 61R receives the weight of the monitor 81 and the operation unit 80 through the intermediary of the bracket 62.

In the top view illustrated in FIG. 5, the control lever 71 and the monitor 81 are disposed in this order from the operator's seat 31 toward the outside. In the top view, the control lever 71 and the monitor 81 are disposed in this order from the operator's seat 31 toward the outside away from the operator's seat 31. In the top view, the monitor 81 is disposed on the opposite side of the operator's seat 31 with respect to the control lever 71, and is disposed side by side with the control lever 71.

The monitor 81 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the control lever 71 in the leftward and rightward direction. The monitor 81 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the console 61R in the leftward and rightward direction. The monitor 81 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the armrest 56R in the leftward and rightward direction.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the number 101 denotes a center position of the operator's seat 31 in the leftward and rightward direction, and the number 102 denotes a center position of the cab 30 in the leftward and rightward direction are shown.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distance from the center position 101 of the operator's seat 31 to the monitor 81 is larger than the distance from the center position 101 of the operator's seat 31 to the control lever 71. The distance from the center position 102 of the cab 30 to the monitor 81 is larger than the distance from the center position 102 of the cab 30 to the control lever 71.

A gap is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the monitor 81. The monitor 81 is separated from the right side face 30C.

In the top view illustrated in FIG. 5, the monitor 81 and the control lever 71 are disposed side by side in the leftward and rightward direction. In the top view, the shortest distance between the monitor 81 and the control lever 71 is preferably 300 mm or less, and more preferably 150 mm or less. The monitor 81 is disposed in front of the pillar member 43R. The monitor 81 is disposed in front of the armrest 56R. The monitor 81 is disposed in front of the seatback 36 and the headrest 38. The monitor 81 is disposed behind the bracket 41 and the pillar member 42L.

The intersection between the front face 30A and the right side face 30C forms a corner T. A center position S of a headrest front face 38a of the headrest 38 in the leftward and rightward direction and the corner T define a straight line 103. In this case, the monitor 81 is disposed at a position shifted from the straight line 103. The monitor 81 is disposed in a region of the cab 30 located rightward and rearward of the straight line 103. The monitor 81 is disposed in a region of the cab 30 sandwiched between the straight line 103 and the right side face 30C.

The operation unit 80 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the console 61R in the leftward and rightward direction. The operation portion 80 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the armrest 56R in the leftward and rightward direction. The operation unit 80 is disposed behind the monitor 81.

In the front view illustrated in FIG. 6, at least a part of the monitor 81 overlaps with the pillar member 43R. In the front view illustrated in FIG. 6, a part of the monitor 81 overlaps with the pillar member 43R.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 5, FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view illustrating a control lever and a monitor in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the control lever 71 is formed as a cylindrical grip to be gripped by the operator. The control lever 71 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have, for example, an arched shape.

The control lever 71 may be tilted in the leftward and rightward direction. The control lever 71 may be tilted between a neutral position (71A: a position indicated by the control lever 71A) and a right position (71B: a position indicated by the control lever 71B) shifted from the neutral position (71A) in the rightward direction (in the direction away from the operator's seat 31). The control lever 71 is may be tilted between the neutral position (71A) and a left position (71C: a position indicated by the control lever 71C) shifted from the neutral position (71A) in the leftward direction (in the direction toward the operator's seat 31).

The operator seated on the operator's seat 31 tilts the control lever 71 to the right position (71B) or to the left position (71C) so as to control the work implement 12 (for example, to excavate with or to dump the bucket 18 illustrated in FIG. 1).

The control lever 71 may be tilted in the forward and rearward direction. The control lever 71 may be tilted between the neutral position (71A) and a front position (71D: a position indicated by the control lever 71D) shifted from the neutral position (71A) in the forward direction. The control lever 71 may be tilted between the neutral position (71A)and a rear position (71E: a position indicated by the control lever 71E) shifted from the neutral position (71A) in the rearward direction.

The operator seated on the operator's seat 31 tilts the control lever 71 to the front position (71D) or to the rear position (71D) so as to control the work implement 12 (for example, to lift or lower the boom 16 illustrated in FIG. 1).

The control lever 71 may be automatically returned to the neutral position (71A) from the right position (71B), the left position (71C), the front position (71D), and the rear position (71D) by an elastic force applied from a spring member (not shown), for example. When the control lever 71 is positioned at the neutral position (71A), the work implement 12 is stopped.

In the present specification, the control lever 71 positioned at the neutral position (71A), the control lever 71 positioned at the right position (71B), the control lever 71 positioned at the left position (71C), the control lever 71 positioned at the front position (71D), and the control lever 71 positioned at the rear position (71E) are also referred to as a control lever 71 (71A), a control lever 71 (71B), a control lever 71 (71C), a control lever 71 (71D), and a control lever 71 (71E), respectively.

The monitor 81 is formed as a thin plate having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The monitor 81 has a display screen 82. The display screen 82 may be a liquid crystal screen, for example. The display screen 82 is a plan surface orthogonal to the thickness direction of the monitor 81. The display screen 82 has a rectangular shape.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed in a first front-rear region 220 in the forward and rearward direction. The first front-rear region 220 corresponds to a range from a front end 72 to a rear end 73 of the control lever 71 (71A) in the forward and rearward direction. The monitor 81 is disposed in a second front-rear region 210 in the forward and rearward direction. The second front-rear region 210 corresponds to a range from a front end 87 to a rear end 88 of the monitor 81 in the forward and rearward direction.

At least a part of the first front-rear region 220 and at least a part of the second front-rear region 210 overlap with each other. A part of the first front-rear region 220 and a part of the second front-rear region 210 overlap with each other. The front end 87 of the monitor 81 is located in front of the front end 72 of the control lever 71 (71A). The rear end 88 of the monitor 81 is located behind the front end 72 of the control lever 71 (71A), and is located in front of the rear end 88 of the control lever 71 (71A).

As described above, the second front-rear region 210 in which the monitor 81 is disposed is not limited to being shifted forward from the first front-rear region 220 in which the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed, the second front-rear region 210 in which the monitor 81 is disposed may be shifted rearward from the first front-rear region 220 in which the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed.

Alternatively, the entire part of the first front-rear region 220 and a part of the second front-rear region 210 may overlap with each other (in other words, the second front-rear region 210 is included in the first front-rear region 220), or a part of the first front-rear region 220 and the entire part of the second front-rear region 210 may overlap with each other (in other words, the first front-rear region 220 is included in the second front-rear region 210), or the entire part of the first front-rear region 220 and the entire part of the second front-rear region 210 may overlap with each other (in other words, the first front-rear region 220 and the second front-rear region 210 completely overlap with each other).

The control lever 71 operates in a third front-rear region 230 in the forward and rearward direction. The third front-rear region 230 corresponds to a range from the front end 72 of the control lever 71 (71D) to the rear end 73 of the control lever 71 (71E) in the forward and rearward direction.

At least a part of the third front-rear region 230 and at least a part of the second front-rear region 210 overlap with each other. The relationship between the third front-rear region 230 and the second front-rear region 210 is the same as the relationship between the first front-rear region 220 and the second front-rear region 210 as described above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed in a first height region 250 in the upward and downward direction. The first height region 250 corresponds to a range from the upper end 74 to the lower end 75 of the control lever 71 (71A) in the upward and downward direction. The monitor 81 is disposed in a second height region 240 in the upward and downward direction. The second height region 240 corresponds to a range from the upper end 85 to the lower end 86 of the monitor 81 in the upward and downward direction.

At least a part of the first height region 250 and at least a part of the second height region 240 overlap with each other. A part of the first height region 250 and a part of the second height region 240 overlap with each other. The upper end 85 of the monitor 81 is lower than the upper end 74 of the control lever 71 (71A) but higher than the lower end 75 of the control lever 71 (71A). The lower end 86 of the monitor 81 is lower than the lower end 75 of the control lever 71 (71A).

As described above, the second height region 240 in which the monitor 81 is disposed is not limited to being shifted downward to the first height region 250 in which the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed, the second height region 240 in which the monitor 81 is disposed may be shifted upward to the first height region 250 in which the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed.

Alternatively, the entire part of the first height region 250 and a part of the second height region 240 may overlap with each other (in other words, the second height region 240 is included in the first height region 250), or a part of the first height region 250 and the entire part of the second height region 240 may overlap with each other (in other words, the first height region 250 is included in the second height region 240), or the entire part of the first height region 250 and the entire part of the second height region 240 may overlap with each other (in other words, the first height region 250 and the second height region 240 completely overlap with each other).

The control lever 71 operates in a third height region 260 in the upward and downward direction. The third height region 260 corresponds to a range from the upper end 74 of the control lever 71 (71E) to the lower end 75 of the control lever 71 (71C) in the upward and downward direction.

At least a part of the third height region 260 and at least a part of the second height region 240 overlap with each other. The relationship between the third height region 260 and the second height region 240 is the same as relationship between the first height region 250 and the second height region 240 as described above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the display screen 82 is disposed in a forward inclined posture in which the upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is located in front of the lower end 84 of the display screen 82 in the upward and downward direction.

The control lever 71 (71A) is disposed in a forward inclined posture in which the upper end 74 of the control lever 71 (71A) is located in front of the lower end 75 of the control lever 71 (71A). The angle at which the display screen 82 is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction is larger than the angle at which the control lever 71 (71A) is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction. The angle at which the display screen 82 is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction may be equal to or less than the angle at which the control lever 71 (71A) is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display screen 82 is inclined with respect to the leftward and rightward direction so as to face the operator's seat 31 in a top view.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is located in front of the control lever 71 (71A).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the cab of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 illustrates a field of view of the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 in the diagonally right forward direction. In the diagonally right forward direction of the operator, the front transparent member 46 and the fixed lateral transparent member 48 are fixed in such a manner that they are joined to each other by abutting against each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11, in the cab 30, the monitor 81 is disposed in the console 61R in which a control lever 71 is disposed. In a top view, the control lever 71 and the monitor 81 are disposed in this order from the operator's seat 31 toward the outside.

With such a configuration, since the monitor 81 is disposed in a range reachable by the operator seated on the operator's seat 31, the operator may have a clear view of the monitor 81. When the monitor 81 is a touch panel, the operator may easily operate the monitor 81. Further, since the position where the monitor 81 is disposed is shifted from the position facing the operator in the forward and rearward direction, it is possible to prevent the movement of the operator to sit into or leave the operator's seat 31 from being hindered by the monitor 81.

The monitor 81 is disposed between the right side face 30C (the lateral transparent member 48) and the control lever 71. Thus, when the operator monitors the operation of the work implement 12 through the front face 30A and the right side face 30C, the operator may have the monitor 81 in sight without greatly moving his/her visual line. Thus, the operator may have a clear view of the monitor 81, or may have the monitor 81 in sight while having the work implement 12 in the field of view.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, at least a part of the first height region 250 in which the control lever 71 (71A) is disposed and at least a part of the second height region 240 in which the monitor 81 is disposed overlap with each other.

With such a configuration, the visual line of the operator facing forward is prevented from being blocked by the monitor 81, which makes it possible to improve the field of view of the operator in the forward direction. In particular, in the hydraulic excavator 100, since the bracket 41 is disposed at a position in the diagonally right forward direction of the operator instead of a frame member, and the front transparent member 46 and the lateral transparent member 48 are supported by the bracket 41 or the front transparent member 46 and the lateral transparent member 48 are joined to each other by abutting against each other, it is possible to improve the field of view of the operator in the diagonally right forward direction. Therefore, when the operator monitors the operation of the work implement 12 through the front transparent member 46 and the lateral transparent member 48, it is possible to significantly improve the visibility of the work implement 12.

In addition, the visual line of the operator facing the monitor 81 is prevented from being blocked by the control lever 71 (71A) or the console 61R. Therefore, the operator may have a further clear view of the monitor 81. Further, when the monitor 81 is a touch panel, the operator may move his/her hands from the control lever 71 to reach the monitor 81 without great movements, which makes it possible to improve the operability of the monitor 81.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the display screen 82 is disposed in a forward inclined posture in which the upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is located in front of the lower end 84 of the display screen 82 in the upward and downward direction. Thus, the display screen 82 faces the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 in the forward and rearward direction, and thereby the operator may have a further clear view of the monitor 81.

The display screen 82 is inclined with respect to the leftward and rightward direction so as to face the operator's seat 31 in a top view. Thus, the display screen 82 faces the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 in the leftward and rightward direction, whereby the operator may have a further clear view of the monitor 81.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11, the upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is disposed in front of the control lever 71 (71A). In this case, since the display screen 82 is disposed in front of the control lever 71 (71A), the operator may have the display screen 82 in sight without greatly moving his/her visual line when the operator is looking forward. Thus, the operator may have a further clear view of the monitor 81.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in a front view, at least a part of the monitor 81 overlaps with the pillar member 43R. According to such a configuration, the monitor 81 may be disposed in a free space before or behind the pillar member 43R. Further, since the monitor 81 is disposed closer to the right side face 30C, it is possible to increase the screen size of the monitor 81 in a limited space between the right side face 30C and the operator's seat 31.

FIGS. 12 to 14 are perspective views illustrating a structure for attaching the monitor to the console. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14, the console 61R includes a main body 63, an armrest attaching member 64, and a control lever attaching member 65.

The main body 63 is disposed on the right side of the operator's seat 31 (the seat cushion 37) illustrated in FIG. 4. The main body 63 as a whole has an elongated shape, the length direction of which is in the forward and rearward direction and the width direction thereof is in the leftward and rightward direction. The main body 63 is made of a plate material.

The main body 63 includes an inner plate 63J and an outer plate 63K. The inner plate 63J and the outer plate 63K face each other with a gap therebetween in the leftward and rightward direction. The inner plate 63J faces the operator's seat 31 (the seat cushion 37) in the leftward and rightward direction. The outer plate 63K and the operator's seat 31 (the seat cushion 37) are disposed on opposite sides of the inner plate 63J.

The armrest 56R is attached to the armrest attaching member 64. The armrest attaching member 64 is disposed at the rear end of the main body 63. The armrest attaching member 64 has a cylindrical shape projecting upward from the main body 63. The armrest 56R is provided with a pole member 57. The pole member 57 extends in the upward and downward direction. The pole member 57 is inserted into the armrest attaching member 64.

The height of the armrest 56R may be adjusted by sliding the pole member 57 in the upward and downward direction with respect to the armrest attaching member 64.

The control lever 71 is attached to the control lever attaching member 65. The control lever attaching member 65 is disposed at the upper end of the main body 63. The control lever attaching member 65 is disposed closer to the front end of the main body 63. The control lever attaching member 65 has a plate shape, and is disposed across the inner plate 63J and the outer plate 63K.

The bracket 62 includes a flange member 66, an extension member 67, and a projection member 68. The flange member 66 has a plate shape orthogonal to the leftward and rightward direction. The flange member 66 is connected to the main body 63. The flange member 66 is connected to the outer plate 63K. The projection member 68 projects rightward from the upper end of the flange member 66. The projection member 68 is inclined upward as the distance from the projection member 68 increases in the leftward and rightward direction. The operation unit 80 is attached to the projection member 68.

The extension member 67 extends forward and diagonally upward from the front end of the projection member 68. The extension member 67 is inclined upward as the distance from the projection member 68 increases in the leftward and rightward direction. The monitor 81 is attached to the extension member 67. The display screen 82 of the monitor 81 is disposed parallel to the extension member 67.

The bracket 62 is provided with a position adjusting mechanism 91. The position adjusting mechanism 91 is disposed in the extension member 67. The position adjusting mechanism 91 moves the monitor 81 in a direction parallel to the display screen 82. The position adjusting mechanism 91 moves the monitor 81 in both the forward and rearward direction and the upward and downward direction.

More specifically, the extension member 67 is provided with a plurality of attaching holes 92. The attaching hole 92 is an elongated hole which extends in the extending direction of the extension member 67. The monitor 81 is fastened to the extension member 67 by bolts 93 inserted into the attaching holes 92. Before fastening the monitor 81 to the extension member 67, the position of the monitor 81 may be adjusted by sliding the monitor 81 along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, i.e., the attaching hole 92.

With such a configuration, the position of the display screen 82 may be adjusted in accordance with the position of the operator's eyes seated on the operator's seat 31. Thus, the operator may have a further clear view of the monitor 81.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the position of the monitor 81 is adjusted to the lower and rear slide end.

FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end, FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end, and FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the inside of the cab when the monitor is adjusted to the upper and front slide end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, even when the monitor 81 is adjusted to the upper and front slide end, the relationship between the second front-rear region 210 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the first front-rear region 220 and the third front-rear region 230 is also satisfied. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, even when the monitor 81 is adjusted to the upper and front slide end, the relationship between the second height region 240 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first height region 250 and the third height region 260 is also satisfied.

The configuration and effect of the cab 30 and the hydraulic excavator 100 according to the present embodiment as described above will be summarized.

The cab 30 includes an operator's seat 31, a console 61R, a control lever 71, and a monitor 81 as a display unit. The console 61R is disposed on one side of the operator's seat 31. The control lever 71 is disposed in the console 61R. The control lever 71 is operated to control the work implement 12. The monitor 81 is disposed in the console 61R. In a top view, the control lever 71 and the monitor 81 are disposed in this order from the operator's seat 31 toward the outside.

According to such a configuration, since the monitor 81 is disposed in a range reachable by the operator seated on the operator's seat 31, it is possible for the operator to have an improved visibility of the monitor 81.

The control lever 71 (71A) is disposed in the first height region 250 in the upward and downward direction. The monitor 81 is disposed in the second height region 240 in the upward and downward direction. At least a part of the first height region 250 and at least a part of the second height region 240 overlap with each other.

According to such a configuration, since the visual line of the operator facing forward is prevented from being blocked by the monitor 81, it is possible to improve the field of view of the operator in the forward direction. Further, since the visual line of the operator facing the monitor 81 is prevented from being blocked by the control lever 71 (71A) or the console 61R, it is possible for the operator to have a further improved visibility of the monitor 81.

The monitor 81 has a display screen 82. The display screen 82 is disposed in a forward inclined posture in which the upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is located in front of the lower end 84 of the display screen 82 in the upward and downward direction. The display screen 82 is inclined with respect to the leftward and rightward direction so as to face the operator's seat 31 in a top view.

According to such a configuration, since the display screen 82 faces the operator seated on the operator's seat 31 in both the forward and rearward direction and the leftward and rightward direction, it is possible for the operator to have a further improved visibility of the monitor 81.

The upper end 83 of the display screen 82 is disposed in front of the control lever 71 (71A).

According to such a configuration, since the display screen 82 is disposed in front of the control lever 71 (71A), the operator may have the display screen 82 in sight without greatly moving his/her visual line when the operator is looking forward. Thus, it is possible for the operator to have a further improved visibility of the monitor 81.

The cab 30 further includes a bracket 62. The bracket 62 is attached to the console 61R. The bracket 62 supports the monitor 81. The bracket 62 is provided with a position adjusting mechanism 91 configured to move the monitor 81 in a direction parallel to the display screen 82.

With this configuration, the position of the display screen 82 may be adjusted in accordance with the position of the operator's eyes seated on the operator's seat 31. Thus, it is possible for the operator to have a further improved visibility of the monitor 81.

The monitor 81 is a touch panel monitor. According to such a configuration, since the monitor 81 is disposed in a range reachable by the operator seated on the operator's seat 31, it is possible for the operator to easily operate the monitor 81.

As an example of a work vehicle, the hydraulic excavator 100 includes a cab 30 and a work implement 12. The work implement 12 is controlled by the control lever 71.

According to such a configuration, since the operator may have an improved visibility of the monitor 81, the operator may easily operate the hydraulic excavator 100.

The cab 30 is a box body having a front face 30A and a side face such as a right side face 30C. The front face 30A is disposed to face the forward direction. The right side face 30C faces the work implement 12 in the leftward and rightward direction. The front face 30A and the right side face 30C form a corner. The monitor 81 is disposed between the right side face 30C and the control lever 71.

According to such a configuration, when the operator is controlling the work implement 12 to work through the front face 30A and the right side face 30C, the operator may have the monitor 81 in sight without greatly moving his/her visual line, which makes it possible for the operator to easily operate the hydraulic excavator 100.

The cab 30 further includes a pillar member 43R. The pillar member 43R extends in the upward and downward direction. The pillar member 43R is disposed between the right side face 30C and the operator's seat 31. In a front view, at least a part of the monitor 81 overlaps with the pillar member 43R.

According to such a configuration, the monitor 81 may be disposed in a free space before or behind the pillar member 43R.

Although in the present embodiment, it is described that the monitor 81 and the control lever 71 are disposed side by side in the leftward and rightward direction in the top view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the top view illustrated in FIG. 5, the monitor 81 may be disposed at a position in the diagonally right forward direction of the control lever 71, or may be disposed at a position in the diagonally right rearward direction of the control lever 71. Alternatively, the monitor 81 may be disposed directly on the console 61R without the bracket 62.

In addition, the cab in the present disclosure is not limited to a cab of a hydraulic excavator, it may be applied to any work vehicle such as a crane, a wheel loader, or a motor grader.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description but not limited in all aspects. It is intended that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the description above but defined by the scope of the claims and encompasses all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11: vehicle body; 12: work implement; 13: revolving unit; 15: travel unit; 15Cr: crawler belt; 15M: travel motor; 16: boom; 17: arm; 18: bucket; 19: engine compartment; 20A, 20B: boom cylinder; 21: arm cylinder; 22: bucket cylinder; 23: boom pin; 24: arm pin; 25: bucket pin; 26: revolving center; 30: cab; 30A: front face; 30B: rear face; 30C: right face; 30D: left face; 30E: top face; 30F: bottom face; 31: operator's seat; 32: door member; 36: seatback; 37: seat cushion; 38: headrest; 38a: headrest front face; 39: suspension mechanism; 40: floor member; 41: bracket; 42L, 43, 43L, 43R, 44, 44L, 44R: pillar member; 45: roof member; 46: front transparent member; 46P: upper transparent member; 46Q: lower transparent member; 48: lateral transparent member; 51, 52, 53: beam member; 54, 54L, 54R, 55, 55L, 55R: girder member; 56, 56L, 56R: armrest; 57: pole member; 61, 61L, 61R: console; 62: bracket; 63: main body; 63J: inner plate; 63K: outer plate; 64: armrest attaching member; 65: control lever attaching member; 66: flange member; 67: extension member; 68: projection member; 71, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, 71E, 76: control lever; 72, 87: front end; 73, 88: rear end; 74, 83, 85: upper end; 75, 84, 86: lower end; 80: operation unit; 81: monitor; 82: display screen; 91: position adjusting mechanism; 92: attaching hole; 93: bolt; 100: hydraulic excavator; 101, 102: center position; 103: straight line; 120: living space; 210: second front-rear region; 220: first front-rear region; 230: third front-rear region; 240: second height region; 250: first height region; 260: third height region

Claims

1. A cab comprising:

an operator's seat;
a console disposed on a lateral side of the operator's seat;
a control lever disposed in the console for controlling a work implement; and
a display unit disposed in the console,
in a top view, the control lever and the display unit being disposed in this order from the operator's seat toward the outside.

2. The cab according to claim 1, wherein

the control lever is disposed in a first height region in an upward and downward direction,
the display unit is disposed in a second height region in the upward and downward direction, and
at least a part of the first height region and at least a part of the second height region overlap with each other.

3. The cab according to claim 1, wherein

the display unit includes a display screen,
the display screen is disposed in a forward inclined posture in which an upper end of the display screen is located in front of a lower end of the display screen in the upward and downward direction.

4. The cab according to claim 3, wherein

the display screen is inclined with respect to the leftward and rightward direction so as to face the operator's seat in a top view.

5. The cab according to claim 3, wherein

the upper end of the display screen is disposed in front of the control lever.

6. The cab according to claim 3, further comprising a bracket attached to the console and configured to support the display unit,

the bracket includes a position adjusting mechanism for moving the display unit in a direction parallel to the display screen.

7. The cab according to claim 1, wherein

the display unit is a touch panel monitor.

8. A work vehicle comprising:

a cab according to claim 1; and
a work implement to be controlled by the control lever.

9. The work vehicle according to claim 8, wherein

the cab is a box body including a front face which faces a forward direction and a side face which faces the work implement in a leftward and rightward direction and forms a corner with the front face, and
the display unit is disposed between the side face and the control lever.

10. The work vehicle according to claim 9, wherein

the cab further includes a pillar member which is disposed between the side face and the operator's seat and configured to extend in the upward and downward direction,
in a front view, at least a part of the display unit overlaps with the pillar member.
Patent History
Publication number: 20220316177
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 9, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2022
Applicant: KOMATSU LTD. (Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Inventors: Norihiro IWAHASHI (Minato-ku, Tokyo), Tomoko KIKUMA (Minato-ku, Tokyo), Makoto SASAKI (Minato-ku, Tokyo), Hiroaki TANAKA (Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Application Number: 17/612,754
Classifications
International Classification: E02F 9/16 (20060101); E02F 9/20 (20060101); E02F 9/26 (20060101);