Patent Description:
For example, <CIT> discloses a work vehicle including an operator seat (an operator's seat).

<CIT> shows a seat, which may be provided in an operator cabin of a machine related to various industries like mining, construction etc. The seat includes an arm member <NUM> rotatably coupled to a back portion of the seat. Multiple switches are positioned on a curvilinear surface of the arm member. Further, each of the plurality of switches is configured to be manually actuated to control a corresponding component of the seat. The switches may allow an operator to provide an input indicative of moving or varying the shape of a lumbar support member, back bolsters or base bolsters of the seat as per the operator's personal preference.

According to <CIT>, an operator's seat for a working vehicle includes right and left armrests upon which control elements to operate the vehicle are attached. At least one of the control elements comprises a seat adjusting element that is associated with one or more of adjustable features of the operator's seat. Said adjustable features may, for example, include any one or more of seat rotation, seat back tilt, seat height raise and lower, and seat adjustments within a range of positions including fore, aft and lateral directions.

<CIT>, which forms the basis of the preamble of claim <NUM>, describes a vehicle seat that is used with a vehicle seat operation feedback and control system. The seat is equipped with various features for adjusting the comfort, such as height, climate, and firmness. The seat incorporates an armrest with seat control switches. These switches are electronic-based and can be activated to adjust the seat's position or posture. The armrest has a side surface on which the switches for adjusting various aspects of the seat, including lumbar support, backrest tilt, and seat slide, are located.

In a work vehicle including an operator's seat as disclosed in <CIT>, a seat operation portion operated at the time of adjustment of a position or a posture (a position in a fore/aft direction, a height, or reclination) of the operator's seat may be provided. Depending on a position where the seat operation portion is provided, however, an operator may have to lift himself/herself off the operator's seat or may be forced to take an uncomfortable posture in operating the seat operation portion.

An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle excellent in operability of a seat operation portion.

A work vehicle according to the present invention comprises an operator's seat, an armrest provided lateral to the operator's seat, a seat operation portion, and a console. The armrest is provided lateral to the operator's seat and includes an upper surface. The seat operation portion controls a position or a posture of the operator's seat. The seat operation portion is attached to the armrest. Further, the seat operation portion is provided at a position hidden below the upper surface of the armrest in a top view. The console includes an operation portion that controls an operation of the work vehicle. Further, the console is provided lateral to the operator's seat. The armrest is provided in a rear of the operation portion.

According to the present invention, a work vehicle excellent in operability of the seat operation portion can be provided.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding members in the drawings referred to below have the same reference characters allotted.

<FIG> is a side view showing a wheel loader in an embodiment of the present invention. A general structure of a wheel loader <NUM> in the present embodiment will initially be described.

As shown in <FIG>, wheel loader <NUM> includes a front frame <NUM>, a rear frame <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, a work implement <NUM>, a cab (an operator's cab) <NUM>, an operator's seat <NUM>, and an engine hood <NUM>.

In the description below, a fore/aft direction refers to a fore/aft direction of an operator who sits in an operator's seat <NUM> in cab <NUM>. A direction in which the operator sitting in operator's seat <NUM> faces is defined as the fore direction and a direction behind the operator sitting in operator's seat <NUM> is defined as the aft direction. A lateral (side) direction refers to a lateral direction of the operator who sits in operator's seat <NUM>. A right side and a left side at the time when the operator sitting in operator's seat <NUM> faces front are defined as the right direction and the left direction, respectively. An upward/downward direction is a direction orthogonal to the plane including the fore/aft direction and the lateral direction. A side where the ground is located is defined as a lower side and a side where the sky is located is defined as an upper side.

Front frame <NUM> and rear frame <NUM> form a vehicular body frame of an articulated structure. Front frame <NUM> is provided in front of rear frame <NUM>. Front frame <NUM> is pivotably connected to rear frame <NUM> by a central pin (not shown). An axis that extends in the upward/downward direction is defined as a pivot center of front frame <NUM> with respect to rear frame <NUM>.

Front frame <NUM> and rear frame <NUM> are coupled to each other by a steering cylinder (not shown). A pair of left and right steering cylinders is provided. As the steering cylinder is driven to extend and contract, front frame <NUM> pivots laterally around the central pin.

Front wheel <NUM> and rear wheel <NUM> are running wheels of wheel loader <NUM>.

Front wheel <NUM> is provided in front frame <NUM>. A pair of left and right front wheels <NUM> is provided. Rear wheel <NUM> is provided in rear frame <NUM>. A pair of left and right rear wheels <NUM> is provided.

Work implement <NUM> is provided in front frame <NUM>. Work implement <NUM> includes a boom <NUM>, a bucket <NUM>, a boom cylinder <NUM>, a bell crank <NUM>, a bucket cylinder <NUM>, and a link <NUM>.

Cab <NUM> and engine hood <NUM> are provided in rear frame <NUM>. Cab <NUM> is provided in the rear of work implement <NUM>. Engine hood <NUM> is provided in the rear of cab <NUM>. Engine hood <NUM> accommodates a hydraulic oil tank, an engine, a hydraulic pump, an air cleaner, and the like.

Cab <NUM> delimits an indoor space which an operator enters. A door <NUM> is provided in a side surface of cab <NUM>. Door <NUM> is opened and closed when the operator enters or goes out of cab <NUM>. Operator's seat <NUM> is provided in the indoor space delimited by cab <NUM>. The operator sits in operator's seat <NUM> in cab <NUM> and operates wheel loader <NUM>. The present invention is applicable also to a cab-less work vehicle where the operator's seat is provided in an outdoor space.

<FIG> is a top view showing a structure around the operator's seat in the cab in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the structure around the operator's seat in the cab in <FIG>. <FIG> is a front view showing the structure around the operator's seat when viewed in a direction shown with an arrow IV in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, operator's seat <NUM> includes a seat cushion <NUM> and a seat back <NUM>. Seat cushion <NUM> is a seat part in which an operator sits down. Seat back <NUM> is provided to rise upward from a rear end of seat cushion <NUM>. Seat back <NUM> is a seat part serving as a backrest for an operator.

Wheel loader <NUM> further includes a support plate <NUM> and a suspension mechanism <NUM>.

Support plate <NUM> is provided below seat cushion <NUM>. Support plate <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate and provided in parallel to a horizontal direction. Support plate <NUM> is provided as a support member that supports on a side of operator's seat <NUM>, a console <NUM> and an armrest <NUM> which will be described later.

Suspension mechanism <NUM> is provided below seat cushion <NUM>. Operator's seat <NUM> is attached to a floor surface of cab <NUM> with suspension mechanism <NUM> being interposed. Suspension mechanism <NUM> elastically supports operator's seat <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing a construction relating to a mechanism for moving the operator's seat upward and downward. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, wheel loader <NUM> includes a link member <NUM>, an air spring <NUM>, an electric air pump <NUM>, and a valve <NUM> as the mechanism for moving operator's seat <NUM> upward and downward. Link member <NUM>, air spring <NUM>, and electric air pump <NUM> are contained in suspension mechanism <NUM>.

Link member <NUM> is arranged between operator's seat <NUM> and the floor surface of cab <NUM>. Link member <NUM> is provided to be able to perform an extending and contracting operation in the upward/downward direction. Air spring <NUM> is made from an air bag that is inflated by supply of air and deflated by evacuation of air. Air spring <NUM> is connected to link member <NUM>. Electric air pump <NUM> is provided to supply air to air spring <NUM>. Valve <NUM> is provided on an air circuit that communicates with air spring <NUM>.

Wheel loader <NUM> further includes a seat operation portion <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is operated by an operator to control a position or a posture of operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is operated by the operator to control a height of operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is made from a switch that can switch from a home position to a high position or a low position.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is operated by the operator to control drive of electric air pump <NUM> and an opening and closing operation of valve <NUM>.

While the operator is switching seat operation portion <NUM> from the home position to the high position, electric air pump <NUM> is driven. As air is supplied from electric air pump <NUM> to air spring <NUM>, air spring <NUM> is inflated. Link member <NUM> is thus pressed by inflated air spring <NUM> to extend upward to thereby lift operator's seat <NUM>. When seat operation portion <NUM> returns from the high position to the home position, drive of electric air pump <NUM> is stopped.

While the operator is switching seat operation portion <NUM> from the home position to the low position, valve <NUM> performs the opening operation. When air is evacuated from air spring <NUM> as valve <NUM> performs the opening operation, air spring <NUM> is deflated. As link member <NUM> contracts downward upon receiving the weight of operator's seat <NUM> and the operator, operator's seat <NUM> is lowered. When seat operation portion <NUM> returns from the low position to the home position, valve <NUM> performs the closing operation.

Though an example in which drive of electric air pump <NUM> and the opening and closing operation of valve <NUM> are controlled in an analog (ON-OFF) manner by a switching operation by means of seat operation portion <NUM> is described, limitation thereto is not intended. A controller may control drive of electric air pump <NUM> and the opening and closing operation of valve <NUM> based on an operation signal received from seat operation portion <NUM>.

A structure of console <NUM> and armrest <NUM> provided around operator's seat <NUM> will be described in succession. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a console and an armrest in a field of view of an operator who sits in the operator's seat.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, wheel loader <NUM> further includes console <NUM>. Console <NUM> is provided lateral to operator's seat <NUM>. Console <NUM> is provided on the right side of operator's seat <NUM>.

Console <NUM> includes a housing portion <NUM> and an operation portion <NUM>. Housing portion <NUM> is in a shape of a housing and defines an appearance of console <NUM>. Housing portion <NUM> and seat cushion <NUM> are laterally aligned. Housing portion <NUM> is aligned at a distance from seat cushion <NUM> in the lateral direction.

Housing portion <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> is located above seat cushion <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> is in such an elongated shape that the fore/aft direction is defined as a longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is defined as a short-side direction.

Operation portion <NUM> is provided in housing portion <NUM>. Operation portion <NUM> is provided on upper surface <NUM>. Operation portion <NUM> is provided closer to a front end of upper surface <NUM> than to a rear end of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Operation portion <NUM> is operated by an operator to control an operation of wheel loader <NUM>.

Operation portion <NUM> is provided in a left area of upper surface <NUM>. Operation portion <NUM> is provided in an area of upper surface <NUM> close to operator's seat <NUM> in the lateral direction. In a right area of upper surface <NUM>, various operation portions such as a switch and a dial to be used in operating wheel loader <NUM> are further provided.

Among a plurality of operation portions provided in console <NUM>, operation portion <NUM> is relatively high in frequency of use by the operator. Operation portion <NUM> representatively includes control levers <NUM> and 53n for controlling an operation of work implement <NUM> (boom <NUM> and bucket <NUM>). Control levers <NUM> and 53n are provided as being slidable in the fore/aft direction.

Wheel loader <NUM> further includes armrest <NUM>. Armrest <NUM> is provided lateral to operator's seat <NUM>. Armrest <NUM> is provided on the right side of operator's seat <NUM>.

Armrest <NUM> is used as a support for an operator's elbow. Armrest <NUM> is provided above console <NUM> (housing portion <NUM>). Armrest <NUM> is provided at a position where at least a part of armrest <NUM> is projected on upper surface <NUM> of housing portion <NUM> in the top view. Armrest <NUM> is provided in the rear of operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n). Armrest <NUM> is provided at a position distant rearward from operation portion <NUM>.

Armrest <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> is provided in parallel to the horizontal direction. Upper surface <NUM> serves as an elbow support surface on which the elbow of the operator is placed. Upper surface <NUM> is located above seat cushion <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> is located above upper surface <NUM> of housing portion <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> is in such an elongated shape that the fore/aft direction is defined as the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is defined as the short-side direction. Upper surface <NUM> is in such a substantially rectangular shape that the fore/aft direction is defined as the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is defined as the short-side direction.

Upper surface <NUM> includes a front end 63f and a rear end 63r. Front end 63f is located at the front end of upper surface <NUM>. Among four sides of upper surface <NUM> in the substantially rectangular shape, front end 63f corresponds to a short side located on a front side. Rear end 63r is located at the rear end of upper surface <NUM>. Among the four sides of upper surface <NUM> in the substantially rectangular shape, rear end 63r corresponds to a short side located on a rear side.

As shown in <FIG>, front end 63f is located lateral to seat cushion <NUM> in the top view. Rear end 63r is located lateral to seat back <NUM> in the top view.

<FIG> is a top view showing an operation of the armrest. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, armrest <NUM> operates independently of console <NUM> such that rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is laterally displaced in the top view. Armrest <NUM> can operate such that rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is laterally displaced in the top view while console <NUM> is resting.

Armrest <NUM> pivots around a pivot central axis <NUM>. Pivot central axis <NUM> intersects with upper surface <NUM>. Pivot central axis <NUM> is orthogonal to upper surface <NUM>. Pivot central axis <NUM> is a virtual straight line that extends in a vertical direction.

Pivot central axis <NUM> is located between rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> and front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Pivot central axis <NUM> is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. A length between pivot central axis <NUM> and front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction is shorter than a length between pivot central axis <NUM> and rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction.

As armrest <NUM> pivots within a prescribed range of angles around pivot central axis <NUM> in such a construction, rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is laterally displaced. Rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is laterally displaced along an arc around pivot central axis <NUM>.

<FIG> shows with a solid line, armrest <NUM> (<NUM>) at the time when rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is displaced to a leftmost position and shows with a chain double dotted line, armrest <NUM> (61R) at the time when rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is displaced to a rightmost position. A range of angles within which armrest <NUM> can pivot may be, for example, not smaller than <NUM>° and not greater than <NUM>° or not smaller than <NUM>° and not greater than <NUM>°.

<FIG> is a top view showing a seated state of the operator. <FIG> shows the operator who operates operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n) with a chain double dotted line <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an operator who sits in operator's seat <NUM> operates operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n) in a general operation posture with his/her elbow being placed on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. At this time, the operator's elbow is placed at a position closer toward the rear of upper surface <NUM> and the operator's arm extends forward from the rear side of upper surface <NUM> toward operation portion <NUM>.

In wheel loader <NUM>, armrest <NUM> operates such that rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is laterally displaced in the top view. According to such a construction, when the operator uses armrest <NUM> as the elbow support, the operator can take a comfortable operation posture regardless of his/her physical build.

More specifically, when the operator has a large shoulder width, the operator should only operate armrest <NUM> such that rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is displaced to the right (armrest 61R in <FIG>). The operator can thus operate operation portion <NUM> with his/her elbow being placed on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> without taking such an uncomfortable posture as shrugging his/her shoulder. When the operator has a small shoulder width, the operator should only operate armrest <NUM> such that rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> is displaced to the left (armrest <NUM> in <FIG>). The operator can thus operate operation portion <NUM> with his/her elbow being placed on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> without extremely squaring his/her elbow.

Armrest <NUM> pivots around pivot central axis <NUM>. According to such a construction, an operation mechanism of armrest <NUM> can be constructed in a more simplified manner than in an example where the entire armrest <NUM> performs a slide operation in the lateral direction.

Pivot central axis <NUM> is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction.

According to such a construction, when armrest <NUM> pivots, a length of lateral displacement of rear end 63r is longer than a length of lateral displacement of front end 63f. A larger range within which the position of rear end 63r is adjusted can thus be set. In contrast, when armrest <NUM> pivots, a length of lateral displacement of front end 63f is shorter than a length of lateral displacement of rear end 63r. Loss of relative positional relation between operation portion <NUM> and a position of the hand of the operator who operates operation portion <NUM> with adjustment of the position of rear end 63r in the lateral direction can thus be suppressed.

Pivot central axis <NUM> of armrest <NUM> may be defined as a straight line extending diagonally with respect to the vertical direction. For example, when upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> is inclined at a prescribed angle with respect to the horizontal direction such that a right end side thereof is lower than a left end side, pivot central axis <NUM> may be defined as a straight line inclined at the prescribed angle with respect to the vertical direction, in correspondence with inclination of upper surface <NUM>.

In succession, arrangement of seat operation portion <NUM> is described. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided lateral to operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided on the right side of operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to armrest <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is supported by armrest <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position laterally opposed to operator's seat <NUM> in the top view. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position laterally opposed to seat cushion <NUM> in the top view.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided on the left side relative to pivot central axis <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between operator's seat <NUM> and pivot central axis <NUM> of armrest <NUM> in the lateral direction. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between operator's seat <NUM> and operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n) in the lateral direction. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided in the rear of operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n).

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided below upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided above seat cushion <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided above console <NUM> (housing portion <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided inside an area where upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> is projected below. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position hidden behind upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> in the top view.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> and rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided in front of pivot central axis <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> and pivot central axis <NUM> of armrest <NUM> in the fore/aft direction.

<FIG> shows with a dotted line <NUM>, the right arm of the operator who operates seat operation portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to armrest <NUM> provided as the support for the operator's elbow so that operability of seat operation portion <NUM> can be improved.

More specifically, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> while the operator sits in operator's seat <NUM> and places his/her elbow on armrest <NUM>. The operator can thus adjust the height of operator's seat <NUM> in a comfortable posture without the need to lift himself/herself off operator's seat <NUM> or to take an uncomfortable posture in operator's seat <NUM> for operating seat operation portion <NUM>.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position opposed to operator's seat <NUM> in the top view. In this case, seat operation portion <NUM> is arranged as being laterally opposed to the operator who sits in the operator's seat. Therefore, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> with his/her thumb, for example, while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided below upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. According to such a construction, the operator unintentionally touching seat operation portion <NUM> while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> can be suppressed. A misoperation of operator's seat <NUM> can thus be prevented.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided inside the area where upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM> is projected below. According to such a construction, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position hidden below upper surface <NUM> so that the operator unintentionally touching seat operation portion <NUM> can further effectively be suppressed.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. In general, while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>, the operator's hand is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM>. Therefore, by providing seat operation portion <NUM> closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM>, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> without largely moving his/her elbow over upper surface <NUM>.

Armrest <NUM> is provided in the rear of operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n). In such a construction, the operator takes an operation posture (the operation posture shown with chain double dotted line <NUM> in <FIG>) for operating operation portion <NUM> (control levers <NUM> and 53n) while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>. Since seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to armrest <NUM>, the operator's posture (the posture shown with dotted line <NUM> in <FIG>) in operating seat operation portion <NUM> can be closer to the operation posture above. Consequently, the operator more readily adjusts the height of operator's seat <NUM> to a height which the operator finds more appropriate when the operator takes the operation posture.

Though seat operation portion <NUM> is provided on a back side of left end <NUM> of upper surface <NUM> in wheel loader <NUM> as shown in <FIG> on the assumption that the operator operates seat operation portion <NUM> with his/her thumb, arrangement of seat operation portion <NUM> is not limited as such. For example, seat operation portion <NUM> may be provided on the back side of front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> or on the back side of right end <NUM> of upper surface <NUM>. Even in such a case, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> by using a fore finger or a middle finger while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> of armrest <NUM>.

In succession, a more specific structure of armrest <NUM> and arrangement of seat operation portion <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a top view showing the armrest seen through the upper surface of the armrest in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the armrest when viewed in a direction shown with an arrow X-X in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded view showing the armrest.

As shown in <FIG>, armrest <NUM> includes a cushion portion <NUM>, a boss portion <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, a collar <NUM>, and a bolt <NUM>.

Cushion portion <NUM> includes upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>. Cushion portion <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate for which a direction (the upward/downward direction) of connection of upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM> to each other is defined as a direction of thickness. Cushion portion <NUM> is formed of an elastic cushion material. Cushion portion <NUM> is formed, for example, of a urethane foam. Cushion portion <NUM> contains a metal plate <NUM> (see <FIG>). Plate <NUM> is provided in parallel to the horizontal direction.

Boss portion <NUM> protrudes downward from cushion portion <NUM> along pivot central axis <NUM>. Boss portion <NUM> is in a shape of a shaft that protrudes from lower surface <NUM> along pivot central axis <NUM>. Boss portion <NUM> is fixed to plate <NUM> in cushion portion <NUM>. A female thread <NUM> is provided in boss portion <NUM>. Female thread <NUM> is provided along pivot central axis <NUM>.

Bracket <NUM> is provided below cushion portion <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> supports cushion portion <NUM> as being pivotable around pivot central axis <NUM>.

Bracket <NUM> includes a lateral plate portion <NUM> and a vertical plate portion <NUM>. Lateral plate portion <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate and provided in parallel to the horizontal direction. Lateral plate portion <NUM> is in such an elongated shape that the fore/aft direction is defined as the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is defined as the short-side direction in the top view. Lateral plate portion <NUM> is smaller in area in the top view than cushion portion <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>). Vertical plate portion <NUM> is provided at a position where a side end of lateral plate portion <NUM> is bent. Vertical plate portion <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate and provided in parallel to the vertical direction. Vertical plate portion <NUM> is provided along the fore/aft direction.

Bracket <NUM> further includes a boss fitting portion <NUM>. Boss fitting portion <NUM> is provided in lateral plate portion <NUM>. Boss fitting portion <NUM> protrudes downward from lateral plate portion <NUM>. Boss fitting portion <NUM> is provided with hole <NUM>. Hole <NUM> is provided as a through hole that passes through boss fitting portion <NUM> in the upward/downward direction. Hole <NUM> is larger in diameter than boss portion <NUM>. Boss fitting portion <NUM> is in a shape of a cylinder that extends along the upward/downward direction.

Lateral plate portion <NUM> is provided below cushion portion <NUM>. Lateral plate portion <NUM> bears a weight of cushion portion <NUM>. Lower surface <NUM> of cushion portion <NUM> is opposed to lateral plate portion <NUM> with a gap lying therebetween in the upward/downward direction. Lateral plate portion <NUM> is arranged inside an area where upper surface <NUM> of cushion portion <NUM> is projected below. Boss portion <NUM> is fitted into hole <NUM> provided in boss fitting portion <NUM>.

Collar <NUM> is in a cylindrical shape. Collar <NUM> is interposed between boss portion <NUM> and boss fitting portion <NUM> in a direction of radius of pivot central axis <NUM>. Collar <NUM> is in slide contact with an outer circumferential surface of boss portion <NUM> and an inner circumferential surface of boss fitting portion <NUM> that defines hole <NUM>. Boss portion <NUM> is fitted into hole <NUM> provided in boss fitting portion <NUM> with collar <NUM> being interposed. Collar <NUM> is formed, for example, of a resin excellent in slidability.

Collar <NUM> includes a flange <NUM>. Flange <NUM> spreads radially outward like a brim from an upper end of collar <NUM> in an axial direction of pivot central axis <NUM>. Flange <NUM> is interposed between lateral plate portion <NUM> and boss portion <NUM> in the axial direction of pivot central axis <NUM>. According to such a construction, boss portion <NUM> is provided without being in contact with bracket <NUM>.

Bolt <NUM> is screwed from below into female thread <NUM> provided in boss portion <NUM>. Boss fitting portion <NUM> is held by bolt <NUM> as being integrated with boss portion <NUM>.

As boss portion <NUM> is fitted into hole <NUM> provided in boss fitting portion <NUM>, cushion portion <NUM> is supported as being pivotable around pivot central axis <NUM>. In this case, boss portion <NUM> protruding from cushion portion <NUM> along pivot central axis <NUM> is constrained by boss fitting portion <NUM> over a prescribed range in the axial direction of pivot central axis <NUM>. Since cushion portion <NUM> can thus more reliably be supported, wobbling of cushion portion <NUM> at the time of pivot of armrest <NUM> can be prevented.

As collar <NUM> is provided, boss portion <NUM> is provided without being in contact with bracket <NUM>. According to such a construction, slide resistance produced at the time of pivot of armrest <NUM> can be suppressed.

Armrest <NUM> further includes a fastened member <NUM> and a lateral arrangement adjustment knob <NUM>. Fastened member <NUM> protrudes downward from cushion portion <NUM> (lower surface <NUM>). A length of protrusion of fastened member <NUM> from cushion portion <NUM> (lower surface <NUM>) is shorter than a length of protrusion of boss portion <NUM> from cushion portion <NUM> (lower surface <NUM>). Fastened member <NUM> is fixed to plate <NUM> in cushion portion <NUM>. A female thread <NUM> is provided in fastened member <NUM>. Female thread <NUM> is provided along the upward/downward direction.

Fastened member <NUM> is located between rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> and front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Fastened member <NUM> is provided in the rear of pivot central axis <NUM>. Fastened member <NUM> is located closer to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> than to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. A length between fastened member <NUM> and rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction is shorter than a length between fastened member <NUM> and front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction.

An elongated hole <NUM> is provided in bracket <NUM>. Elongated hole <NUM> is provided to pass through lateral plate portion <NUM> in a direction of thickness thereof. Elongated hole <NUM> is in a shape of an elongated hole that extends laterally while it maintains a constant width in the fore/aft direction. Elongated hole <NUM> extends like an arc around pivot central axis <NUM>.

Lateral arrangement adjustment knob <NUM> is inserted from below into elongated hole <NUM> provided in bracket <NUM> and further screwed into female thread <NUM> provided in fastened member <NUM>. While lateral arrangement adjustment knob <NUM> is unfastened, cushion portion <NUM> can pivot around pivot central axis <NUM>. A position of cushion portion <NUM> can thus laterally be adjustable. While lateral arrangement adjustment knob <NUM> is tightened around fastened member <NUM>, a pivot operation by cushion portion <NUM> is restricted. The adjusted position of cushion portion <NUM> in the lateral direction is thus fixed.

Boss portion <NUM> (pivot central axis <NUM>) is provided closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction, whereas fastened member <NUM> is provided closer to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. According to such a construction, positions of two points where cushion portion <NUM> is supported by bracket <NUM> can greatly be distant from each other in the fore/aft direction. Therefore, cushion portion <NUM> can be supported in a more stable manner.

Bracket <NUM> further includes an attachment portion <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> is provided as being integrated with vertical plate portion <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> is provided at a front end of vertical plate portion <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> is provided at a height where it is superimposed on boss fitting portion <NUM> in the upward/downward direction. Attachment portion <NUM> is provided in front of lateral plate portion <NUM> in the top view.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to bracket <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to attachment portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is provided directly under cushion portion <NUM> (lower surface <NUM>). A distance from upper surface <NUM> of cushion portion <NUM> to seat operation portion <NUM> in the upward/downward direction may be, for example, not longer than <NUM> or not longer than <NUM>.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between cushion portion <NUM> and console <NUM> (housing portion <NUM>) in the upward/downward direction.

Since seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to bracket <NUM> that pivotably supports cushion portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, seat operation portion <NUM> is resting when cushion portion <NUM> pivots around pivot central axis <NUM>. Therefore, relative positional relation between upper surface <NUM> on which the operator's elbow is placed and seat operation portion <NUM> is changed with a pivot operation of cushion portion <NUM>.

Since pivot central axis <NUM> is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction in wheel loader <NUM>, an amount of lateral displacement of upper surface <NUM> caused by the pivot operation of cushion portion <NUM> at the position closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> becomes small. By providing seat operation portion <NUM> closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction, change in relative positional relation between upper surface <NUM> and seat operation portion <NUM> can be suppressed. The operator can thus operate seat operation portion <NUM> without uncomfortable feeling while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM> regardless of the adjusted position of cushion portion <NUM> in the lateral direction.

Since seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between cushion portion <NUM> and console <NUM> in the upward/downward direction as shown in <FIG>, the operator who sits in operator's seat <NUM> unintentionally touching seat operation portion <NUM> can be suppressed. A misoperation of operator's seat <NUM> can thus be prevented.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a support structure for the console and the armrest. <FIG> is an exploded view showing the support structure for the console and the armrest.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, wheel loader <NUM> further includes an intermediate bracket <NUM>. Console <NUM> is connected to support plate <NUM> with intermediate bracket <NUM> being interposed. Armrest <NUM> is connected to support plate <NUM> with console <NUM> and intermediate bracket <NUM> being interposed.

Intermediate bracket <NUM> includes a base end portion <NUM>, an extending portion <NUM>, a tip end portion <NUM>, and a rack portion <NUM>.

Base end portion <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate and provided in parallel to the horizontal direction. Base end portion <NUM> is fastened to support plate <NUM>. Extending portion <NUM> extends diagonally upward from base end portion <NUM> toward tip end portion <NUM>. Extending portion <NUM> is provided as being laterally away from operator's seat <NUM> from base end portion <NUM> toward tip end portion <NUM>. Tip end portion <NUM> is in a shape of a flat plate and provided in parallel to the horizontal direction. Console <NUM> is placed on tip end portion <NUM>. Console <NUM> is supported on tip end portion <NUM> as being slidable in the fore/aft direction.

Rack portion <NUM> is provided at tip end portion <NUM>. Rack portion <NUM> is constructed of teeth aligned along the fore/aft direction. Console <NUM> is provided with locking pins (not shown) to be engaged with rack portion <NUM>. As the operator operates a fore/aft arrangement adjustment lever (not shown), the locking pins are released from rack portion <NUM>. Positions of console <NUM> and armrest <NUM> attached to console <NUM> can thus be adjusted in the fore/aft direction.

As shown in <FIG>, bracket <NUM> is provided with a height adjustment groove <NUM> (78F and 78R). Height adjustment groove 78F and height adjustment groove 78R are provided at a distance from each other in the fore/aft direction. Height adjustment groove <NUM> is provided to pass through vertical plate portion <NUM> in a direction of thickness thereof.

Height adjustment groove <NUM> includes a vertical groove <NUM> and a plurality of diagonal grooves <NUM>. Vertical groove <NUM> extends linearly along the upward/downward direction. Diagonal groove <NUM> extends diagonally upward from vertical groove <NUM>. The plurality of diagonal grooves <NUM> are provided at a distance from each other in the upward/downward direction. The plurality of diagonal grooves <NUM> are provided at regular intervals.

Console <NUM> further includes an attachment angle <NUM>. Attachment angle <NUM> is provided in the rear of operation portion <NUM>. Attachment angle <NUM> is provided with a plurality of female threads <NUM>. The plurality of female threads <NUM> are provided at a distance from each other in the fore/aft direction, in conformity with a pitch between height adjustment groove 78F and height adjustment groove 78R.

Armrest <NUM> further includes a height adjustment knob <NUM> (88F and 88R). Bracket <NUM> (vertical plate portion <NUM>) is superimposed on attachment angle <NUM> sideways. Height adjustment knob 88F is inserted sideways into height adjustment groove 78F (diagonal groove <NUM>) provided in bracket <NUM> and further screwed into female thread <NUM> provided in attachment angle <NUM>. Height adjustment knob 88R is inserted in height adjustment groove 78R (diagonal groove <NUM>) provided in bracket <NUM> and further screwed into female thread <NUM> provided in attachment angle <NUM>. Armrest <NUM> is thus fastened to console <NUM>.

While height adjustment knob <NUM> is unfastened, height adjustment knob <NUM> can move among the plurality of diagonal grooves <NUM> through vertical groove <NUM>. A height of armrest <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>) can thus be adjusted. By inserting height adjustment knobs <NUM> into diagonal grooves <NUM> different in height between height adjustment groove 78F and height adjustment groove 78R, inclination of armrest <NUM> in the upward/downward direction can also be adjusted. While height adjustment knob <NUM> is fastened to attachment angle <NUM>, movement of height adjustment knob <NUM> in height adjustment groove <NUM> is restricted. The adjusted height and inclination of armrest <NUM> in the upward/downward direction are thus fixed.

Height adjustment groove <NUM> and height adjustment knob <NUM> construct a height adjustment mechanism that moves bracket <NUM> upward and downward together with cushion portion <NUM>.

In wheel loader <NUM>, the position of console <NUM> and armrest <NUM> in the fore/aft direction can be adjusted or the height of armrest <NUM> and inclination of armrest <NUM> in the upward/downward direction can be adjusted in conformity with physical build of the operator. The operator can thus take a further comfortable operation posture.

<FIG> are side views showing various forms of use of the console and the armrest. In <FIG>, the height of armrest <NUM> is adjusted to an intermediate level. In <FIG>, the height of armrest <NUM> is adjusted to a low level. In <FIG>, the height of armrest <NUM> is adjusted to a high level.

Since the height of bracket <NUM> to which seat operation portion <NUM> is attached is adjusted together with cushion portion <NUM> in wheel loader <NUM>, relative height relation between cushion portion <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>) and seat operation portion <NUM> is constant. Therefore, regardless of the adjusted height of cushion portion <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>), the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> without uncomfortable feeling while the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM>.

The seat operation portion in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as it controls the position or the posture of the operator's seat. The seat operation portion in the present invention may control, for example, reclination, slide in the fore/aft direction, or tilt of the seat surface of the operator's seat. In addition to the seat operation portion in the present invention, another operation portion for controlling the operator's seat such as a switch to turn on and off a heater provided in the seat surface of the operator's seat may be attached to the armrest.

A construction and an effect of wheel loader <NUM> in the present embodiment will be summarized and described below.

Wheel loader <NUM> as the work vehicle includes operator's seat <NUM>, armrest <NUM>, and seat operation portion <NUM>. Armrest <NUM> is provided lateral to operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> controls a position or a posture of operator's seat <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to armrest <NUM>,.

According to such a construction, seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to armrest <NUM> provided as the support for the operator's elbow. Therefore, operability of seat operation portion <NUM> can be improved.

Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided at a position laterally opposed to operator's seat <NUM> in the top view.

According to such a construction, seat operation portion <NUM> is arranged as being laterally opposed to the operator who sits in the operator's seat. Therefore, the operator can more readily operate seat operation portion <NUM>.

Armrest <NUM> includes upper surface <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided below upper surface <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided inside the area where upper surface <NUM> is projected below.

According to such a construction, the operator unintentionally touching seat operation portion <NUM> can be suppressed. A misoperation of operator's seat <NUM> can thus be prevented.

Armrest <NUM> includes upper surface <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction.

According to such a construction, in general, when the operator places his/her elbow on upper surface <NUM>, the operator's hand is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM>. Therefore, seat operation portion <NUM> can be arranged in more proximity to the position of the operator's hand. The operator thus more readily operates seat operation portion <NUM>.

Armrest <NUM> pivots around pivot central axis <NUM> that intersects with upper surface <NUM>. Pivot central axis <NUM> is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Armrest <NUM> includes cushion portion <NUM> and bracket <NUM>. Cushion portion <NUM> includes upper surface <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> pivotably supports cushion portion <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to bracket <NUM>.

According to such a construction, pivot central axis <NUM> is located closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction. Therefore, an amount of lateral displacement of upper surface <NUM> caused by the pivot operation of cushion portion <NUM> at the position closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> becomes small. In contrast, by providing seat operation portion <NUM> closer to front end 63f of upper surface <NUM> than to rear end 63r of upper surface <NUM> in the fore/aft direction, change in relative positional relation between upper surface <NUM> and seat operation portion <NUM> with the pivot operation of cushion portion <NUM> can be suppressed. The operator can thus operate seat operation portion <NUM> without uncomfortable feeling, regardless of the position of cushion portion <NUM> in the lateral direction.

Armrest <NUM> includes cushion portion <NUM>, bracket <NUM>, height adjustment groove <NUM>, and height adjustment knob <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> supports cushion portion <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is attached to bracket <NUM>. Height adjustment groove <NUM> and height adjustment knob <NUM> are provided in bracket <NUM>. Height adjustment groove <NUM> and height adjustment knob <NUM> construct the height adjustment mechanism that moves bracket <NUM> upward and downward together with cushion portion <NUM>.

According to such a construction, bracket <NUM> to which seat operation portion <NUM> is attached is adjusted in height together with cushion portion <NUM>. Therefore, relative height relation between cushion portion <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>) and seat operation portion <NUM> is constant. Therefore, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> without uncomfortable feeling, regardless of the height of cushion portion <NUM> (upper surface <NUM>).

Wheel loader <NUM> further includes console <NUM>. Console <NUM> is provided lateral to operator's seat <NUM>. Console <NUM> includes operation portion <NUM>. Operation portion <NUM> controls an operation of wheel loader <NUM>. Armrest <NUM> is provided in the rear of operation portion <NUM>.

According to such a construction, the operator can operate seat operation portion <NUM> in a posture closer to the operation posture to operate operation portion <NUM> while the operator places his/her elbow on armrest <NUM>. The position or the posture of operator's seat <NUM> can thus readily be adjusted such that the operator finds the position or the posture more appropriate when the operator takes the operation posture.

Armrest <NUM> includes cushion portion <NUM>. Cushion portion <NUM> is provided above console <NUM>. Seat operation portion <NUM> is provided between cushion portion <NUM> and console <NUM> in the upward/downward direction.

According to such a construction, the operator who sits in operator's seat <NUM> unintentionally touching seat operation portion <NUM> can be suppressed. A misoperation of operator's seat <NUM> can thus be prevented.

The present invention is applied to various work vehicles including a seat operation portion that controls a position or a posture of the operator's seat, without being limited to the wheel loader.

Claim 1:
A work vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
an operator's seat (<NUM>);
an armrest (<NUM>) provided lateral to the operator's seat (<NUM>), the armrest (<NUM>) including an upper surface (<NUM>);
a seat operation portion (<NUM>) attached to the armrest (<NUM>), the seat operation portion (<NUM>) controlling a position or a posture of the operator's seat (<NUM>); and
a console (<NUM>) including an operation portion (<NUM>) that controls an operation of the work vehicle (<NUM>), the console (<NUM>) being provided lateral to the operator's seat (<NUM>), wherein
the seat operation portion (<NUM>) is provided at a position hidden below the upper surface (<NUM>) of the armrest (<NUM>) in a top view,
characterized in that
the armrest (<NUM>) is provided in a rear of the operation portion (<NUM>).