WORKING MACHINE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-103834 filed on Jun. 27, 2024. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to working machines each of which includes an exterior cover that is openable and closable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, a working machine, such as a backhoe, has included a hood as an exterior cover that covers and protects an apparatus, such as a prime mover. The hood is openable and closable by rotating about an axis, and a sealing element is provided between the hood in a closed state and an exterior element in the vicinity thereof.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-4489 discloses a structure in which a sealing element that includes a tubular sealer is attached to a hood, and the hood is closed to push the sealer against a fixing member at a machine body to perform sealing.

However, in the sealing element of the structure above, depending upon an opening-closing direction of the hood, when the hood is opened and closed, the sealer gets twisted or pulled, and the sealing element may break.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention provide working machines each of which makes it possible to prevent or reduce a reduction in sealing performance caused by the opening and closing of an exterior cover.

One or more example embodiments of the present invent invention include a machine body including a frame to support one or more apparatuses, and an exterior body to cover the one or more apparatuses, wherein the exterior body includes a first exterior cover to open and close by rotating about a first shaft which extends in a predetermined direction, an exterior element adjacent to the first exterior cover in a closed state, and a first sealing element to seal a gap between the first exterior cover in the closed state and the exterior element, and the first sealing element includes a fixed piece portion to be fixed to one of the first exterior cover and the exterior element, and an elastically deformable curved piece portion including a first edge portion continuous with one edge of the fixed piece portion, and a second edge portion which is a free edge, the curved piece portion including an intermediate portion between the first edge portion and the second edge portion that is curved such that the intermediate portion is convex toward the other of the first exterior cover in the closed state and the exterior element, and being configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover in the closed state and the exterior element.

The exterior element of the exterior body may be a second exterior cover to open and close by rotating about a second shaft which extends in a direction intersecting the first shaft.

The first exterior cover may be openable and closable with the second exterior cover kept in the closed state, and the second exterior cover may be openable and closable with the first exterior cover kept in the closed state.

In a working machine of one or more example embodiments of the present invention, the first exterior cover and the second exterior cover may be configured such that, when the first exterior cover and the second exterior cover are opened, a single opening in which an opening that was closed by the first exterior cover in the closed state and an opening that was closed by the second exterior cover in the closed state are continuous with each other is exposed to an outside.

The second exterior cover may be located higher than the first exterior cover. The second exterior cover in the closed state and the first exterior cover in the closed state may overlap each other in plan view. The first sealing element may be fixed to the second exterior cover.

The first sealing element may be fixed to a lower surface of the second exterior cover such that the first sealing element is located inward of an outer edge portion of the second exterior cover in the closed state in plan view. The first exterior cover may be configured to, when in the closed state, contact the first sealing element on the second exterior cover in the closed state.

The fixed piece portion and the curved piece portion may be continuous and integral with each other and include an elastic resin material.

The fixed piece portion may have an elongated shape which extends in one direction and which has a thickness in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. The curved piece portion may extend from one of opposite edges of the fixed piece portion in a direction of a short axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the thickness of the fixed piece portion. The fixed piece portion may be fixed to one of the first exterior cover and the exterior element such that the longitudinal axis thereof coincides with a direction intersecting a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which the exterior element and the first exterior cover move relative to each other when the first exterior cover is opened or closed.

The curved piece portion may define a curve having a center of curvature on an axis which extends along the longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion.

The curved piece portion may include a direction changing portion which extends from the one edge of the fixed piece portion and which defines a curve having a center of curvature on a first axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion, and a contact portion which extends from a distal edge of the direction changing portion, which defines a curve having a center of curvature on a second axis extending along the first axis, and which is configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover and the exterior element.

The first sealing element may be attached to the exterior element. The first exterior cover may include a projecting piece which projects in the first direction toward the exterior element. The projecting piece may be configured to make line contact with the curved piece portion.

The first sealing element may be attached to the exterior element. The first exterior cover may include an attachment piece which projects in the first direction toward the exterior element. The exterior body may include a second sealing element including an elastic material to enclose the attachment piece. The second sealing element may be configured to make line contact with the curved piece portion from the first direction.

The exterior element may include a planar first placement surface for placement of the fixed piece portion thereon, and a curved second placement surface which is continuous with the first placement surface and which is for placement of the direction changing portion thereon.

The fixed piece portion of the first sealing element may be fixed to one of the first exterior cover and the exterior element via at least one rivet.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of example embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings described below.

FIG. 1 is an oblique upper perspective view of a working machine according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an oblique upper perspective view of a partly exploded state of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an oblique rear perspective view of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of an open state of a rear portion exterior cover (hood).

FIG. 4 is an oblique rear perspective view of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of an open state of a first exterior cover (hood).

FIG. 5 is an oblique rear perspective view of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of an open state of a second exterior cover (hood).

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a baseplate of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic plan view for describing an arrangement of apparatuses.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view for describing a mode of attaching a sealing element (tube-type sealing element) of a first exterior portion of an exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view for describing a different form of a tube-type sealing element.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view for describing a mode of attaching a sealing element (tube-type sealing element) of a second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic sectional view showing a mode of attaching the sealing element that seals a portion between the first exterior cover and the second exterior cover.

FIG. 10 is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view for describing a mode of attaching sealing elements (first sealing element and second sealing element) of the second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view showing a mode of attaching the sealing elements (first sealing element and second sealing element) that seal a portion between the first exterior cover and the second exterior cover.

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view for describing a mode of attaching a sealing element (tube-type sealing element) of the second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view showing a mode of attaching the sealing element that seals a portion between an exterior fixed cover and the second exterior cover.

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a partial sectional view when the second exterior cover is in a closed state.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention, and is a partial sectional view when the second exterior cover is in an open state.

FIG. 14 is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view for describing a mode of attaching a sealing element (first sealing element) to the second exterior portion of the exterior body of the working machine of an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings. The drawings are to be viewed in an orientation in which the reference numerals are viewed correctly.

A working machine according to example embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a working machine 1 includes a machine body 2 that includes a frame 21 that supports apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65, at least one traveling device 3 that supports the machine body 2 such that the machine body 2 is capable of traveling, an exterior body 4 that covers the apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65, and a working device 5 that performs predetermined work. Note that, in the description below, a direction along which the at least one traveling device 3 moves straight (forward direction or rearward direction) is referred to as a front-rear direction, and a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as a lateral direction.

The working machine 1 according to the present example embodiment is a backhoe, and includes, as the working device 5, a shovel device 5a (cutting device) and a dozer device 5b. The working machine 1 includes the at least one traveling device 3 including two traveling devices 3 and 3 that are each provided on a corresponding one of opposite sides in the lateral direction with respect to the machine body 2. In the present example embodiment, crawler-type traveling devices are used for the two respective traveling devices 3 and 3.

The machine body 2 includes a traveling base 20 to which the two traveling devices 3 and 3 on the left and right are connected, and a swing base 21 (see FIG. 2) that is provided upward of the traveling base 20 with a swing bearing B interposed therebetween, that is swingable on the traveling base 20 around, as a swing center, an axis CL extending in an up-down direction, and that serves as the frame 21 that supports the apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65. Further, the machine body 2 includes an operator's seat protecting device 22 that defines an operator's cabin DR (ride space) and that is provided on the swing base 21.

As shown in FIG. 6, the swing base 21 includes a baseplate 210 and a device connecting body 211 to which the working device 5 (shovel device 5a) is connected and that is connected to a front end portion of the baseplate 210 in the front-rear direction. The swing bearing B connected to the traveling base 20 is fixed (connected) to the baseplate 210. An operator's seat 22a and the cabin (operator's seat protecting device) 22 are provided in a main region A1 that is set on a front left portion on the baseplate 210, apparatuses, such as a prime mover 60, a radiator 61, an oil cooler 62, and a hydraulic pump 65, are provided in a rear portion region A2a that is set rearwardly of the main region A1 in the front-rear direction, and a hydraulic fluid tank 63 and a fuel tank 64 are provided in a side portion region A2b that is set on one side (rightward side) of the main region A1 and the rear portion region A2a in the lateral direction. It should be noted that the types of apparatuses that are provided in the rear portion region A2a and the side portion region A2b, and the arrangement positions of the respective apparatuses in the rear portion region A2a and the side portion region A2b are not limited to the above.

The exterior body 4 covers the above apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65, provided on the swing base 21 (baseplate 210) serving as the frame, from an upward side and lateral sides, and defines a machine room MR that accommodates the apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65.

More specifically, in the working machine 1 of the present example embodiment, the machine room MR includes a first machine room MRa that corresponds to the rear portion region A2a that is positioned rearwardly of the operator's seat protecting device 22 (operator's cabin DR) in the front-rear direction, and a second machine room MRb that corresponds to the side portion region A2b that is positioned on one side of the operator's seat protecting device 22 (operator's cabin DR) in the lateral direction. Therefore, the exterior body 4 of the present example embodiment includes a first exterior portion 40 that defines the first machine room MRa and a second exterior portion 41 that defines the second machine room MRb.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first exterior portion 40 includes a first rear portion exterior element 401, an exterior element (counterweight) 402, and a rear portion exterior cover 400. The first rear portion exterior element 401 includes a first part 401a that is provided along a rear wall portion 221 of the operator's seat protecting device 22 and that defines an upper portion of the first machine room MRa, and a second part 401b that defines a leftward portion of the first machine room MRa. The exterior element 402 defines a lower rear portion of the first machine room MRa. The rear portion exterior cover 400 is connected to the first rear portion exterior element 401 such that the rear portion exterior cover 400 is openable and closeable by rotating about a horizontal shaft S1 extending in the lateral direction. The exterior element (counterweight) 402 is provided so as to extend over the rear portion region A2a and the side portion region A2b over the entire length of a rear end of the baseplate 210 in the lateral direction. A right end of the first machine room MRa communicates with the second machine room MRb. It should be noted that the first machine room MRa and the second machine room MRb may be separated from each other.

The rear portion exterior cover 400 is a so-called hood and, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, includes a top portion 400a that extends in the front-rear direction, and a downwardly extending wall portion 400b that extends downward from a rear end of the top portion 400a. An end portion of the downwardly extending wall portion 400b on the other side thereof in the lateral direction is bent forward.

Therefore, the rear portion exterior cover 400 is such that an upper end portion of the top portion 400a that is an upper end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 is connected to the first part 401a of the first rear portion exterior element 401 through a hinge 405 including the horizontal shaft S1 (support shaft) extending in the lateral direction. The second rear portion exterior element 402 is provided along the rear end of the baseplate 210 in the front-rear direction. A lower end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 in a closed state is provided so as to overlap an upper end portion of the second rear portion exterior element 402, and a left end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 in the closed state is provided so as to overlap the second part 401b of the first rear portion exterior element 401.

When the rear portion exterior cover 400 is in a closed state, a surface of an outer peripheral edge portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 faces surfaces of the exterior elements 401 and 402 provided in the vicinity thereof and a surface a contact member 42 (see FIG. 3) with a sealing element 43 (described later) being interposed therebetween, the contact member 42 being provided at the machine body 2.

In the present example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first exterior portion 40 includes the sealing element 43 of a tube type (hereunder may be referred to as “tube-type sealing element”) that includes a tubular (cylindrical) sealer 430 and that performs sealing as a result of interposing the sealer 430 between the rear portion exterior cover 400 in the closed state and the exterior elements 401 and 402 in the vicinity thereof.

The tube-type sealing element 43 includes the tube (cylindrical) sealer 430, an attachment portion 431 for being attached to an object, and a connector 432 that connects the attachment portion 431 and the sealer 430 to each other, and these are integral with each other and include an elastic material.

In the tube-type sealing element 43, the sealer 430 is elastically deformable in radial directions, and, by elastic deformation (restoring force) in a radial direction, closely contacts a facing surface of another object. The connector 432 is in the form of a piece which extends in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the sealer 430, and is provided along a longitudinal axis of the sealer 430. The attachment portion 431 includes two sandwiching pieces 431a and 431a that sandwich a strip-shaped seal attachment piece 403, and a connecting portion 431b that connects one end of each of the sandwiching pieces 431a and 431a to each other, the seal attachment piece 403 being provided in a projecting manner at a member that is an attachment object. The connector 432 is connected to a central portion of the connecting portion 431b, and the sealer 430, the connector 432, and the attachment portion 431 are provided in one row. It should be noted that the connection position of the connector 432 is not limited to the connecting portion 431b, and may be, for example, one of the sandwiching pieces 431a as shown in FIG. 8.

In the present example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the tube-type sealing element 43 is attached to one end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 in the lateral direction, the lower end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400, and the second part 401b of the first rear portion exterior element 401. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the seal attachment piece 403 for attaching the tube-type sealing element 43 is provided in a forwardly projecting manner on an inner surface of the one end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400 in the lateral direction and on an inner surface of the lower end portion of the rear portion exterior cover 400, and is provided in a rearwardly projecting manner on a rearward portion (rear end surface) of the second part 401b of the first rear portion exterior element 401.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exterior body 4 (second exterior portion 41) of the present example embodiment includes at least two exterior elements, that is, exterior elements 410, 411, 412, and 413 that are provided adjacent to each other, and at least one sealing element 43 and a sealing element 45 that seal (close) facing portions of the exterior elements 410, 411, 412, and 413 that are adjacent to each other.

The exterior element 410 is an exterior cover (hereunder, referred to as “first exterior cover”) that is openable and closable by rotating about a first shaft S2 extending in a predetermined direction (substantially the up-down direction), and covers the apparatuses 63 and 64 that are provided in the side portion region A2b of the baseplate 210 from a side (one of opposite sides (right side) in the lateral direction) of each of the apparatuses 63 and 64 (see FIG. 4). The exterior element 411 is an exterior cover (hereunder, referred to as “second exterior cover”) configured to open and close by rotating about a second shaft S3 extending in a direction (substantially the front-rear direction) intersecting the first shaft S2, and covers the apparatuses 63 and 64 that are provided in the side portion region A2b from above each of the apparatuses 63 and 64 (see FIG. 5). The exterior fixed cover 412 is attached so as not to be openable and closable with respect to the machine body 2, and covers, together with the exterior element 410, the apparatuses 63 and 64 that are provided in the side portion region A2b from the side of each of the apparatuses 63 and 64. The first exterior cover 410 is adjacent to the second exterior cover 411 provided upward of the first exterior cover 410 and to the exterior fixed cover 412 provided forwardly of the first exterior cover 410. The second exterior cover 411 is provided so as extend over both the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior fixed cover 412.

The second exterior portion 41 includes a first sealing element 45 that seals a portion between the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state and the exterior element 411 in a closed state, a sealing element 43 of the at least one sealing element 43 that seals a portion between the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and the exterior fixed cover 412, and a sealing element 43 of the at least one sealing element 43 that seals a portion between the exterior element 411 in the closed state and the exterior fixed cover 412.

A lower portion of a rear end of the first exterior cover 410 has a shape corresponding to a front end portion of the second rear portion exterior element 402, and, when the first exterior cover 410 is brought into a closed state, overlaps in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction the upper end portion and one of opposite end portions in the lateral direction of the second rear portion exterior element 402 (counterweight).

The exterior fixed cover 412 is supported (fixed) in a certain position by a supporting frame (not shown) fixed to the baseplate 210. On the other hand, the first exterior cover 410 is supported so as to be rotatable about the first shaft S2. In the present example embodiment, a front end portion of the first exterior cover 410 in the front-rear direction is connected to a supporting frame (illustration omitted) through a hinge 420 including the first shaft S2 extending in the up-down direction (predetermined direction), the supporting frame supporting a rear end portion of the exterior fixed cover 412 in the front-rear direction.

Therefore, the first exterior cover 410 opens and closes sideways with reference to a rotation center where a front end side in the front-rear direction has been set. In the present example embodiment, the first exterior cover 410 is openable and closable with the second exterior cover 411 kept in the closed state.

When the first exterior cover 410 is brought into a closed state, an upward side of the rear end portion of the first exterior cover 410 in the front-rear direction enters an inner side of the downwardly extending wall portion 400b of the rear portion exterior cover 400, and a downward side of the rear end portion of the first exterior cover 410 in the front-rear direction overlaps the upper end portion of the second rear portion exterior element 402 (counterweight).

In the present example embodiment, the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior fixed cover 412 each have a curved shape projecting toward one side in the lateral direction, and outer surfaces thereof continuously define a lateral surface of the second exterior portion 41.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, a tube-type sealing element 43 is attached to a rear end of the first exterior cover 410 in the front-rear direction. As the tube-type sealing element 43, a tube-type sealing element that is the same as that used in the first exterior portion 40 can be used.

When the first exterior cover 410 is brought into a closed state, an upper portion in the up-down direction of the tube-type sealing element 43 attached to the first exterior cover 410 is pushed against a contact surface extending in the up-down direction of a contact member 42 supported by the baseplate 210 and seals a portion between the first exterior cover 410 and the contact member 42, and a lower portion of the tube-type sealing element 43 in the up-down direction is pushed against the upper end portion of the second rear portion exterior element 402 and seals a portion between the first exterior cover 410 and the second rear portion exterior element 402.

As shown in FIG. 10, an upper portion of the first exterior cover 410 is bent inward, and an upper end portion of the first exterior cover 410 extending in the front-rear direction defines a projecting piece (hereunder referred to as “attachment piece”) 410a which projects toward an inner side of the first exterior cover 410 (toward the machine room MR). A second sealing element 46 including an elastic material and having a U shape in cross section is attached to the attachment piece 410a to enclose the attachment piece 410a. When the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are closed, the second sealing element 46 comes into contact with the first sealing element 45 provided at the second exterior cover 411, and, together with the first sealing element 45, seals a portion between the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411.

An upper end portion of the exterior fixed cover 412 is substantially continuous with the upper end portion of the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state by being arranged in the front-rear direction. In the present example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a seal attachment piece 412a is also provided at the upper end portion of the exterior fixed cover 412, and a tube-type sealing element 43 is also attached to the seal attachment piece 412a.

In the present example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the exterior body 4 (second exterior portion 41) includes, as an exterior element, a side portion exterior element 413 that is provided along a wall portion 222 on one side (rightward side) of the operator's seat protecting device 22 in the lateral direction and that extends toward the one side in the lateral direction from the wall portion 222 on the one side. The side portion exterior element 413 is fixed to the wall portion 222 on the one side and extends in the front-rear direction. The side portion exterior element 413 is curved in the front-rear direction such that a central portion in the front-rear direction is situated at a highest position.

The second exterior cover 411 is curved in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction, and have tops (top portions) at central portions thereof in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the second exterior cover 411 is provided so as to be openable and closable by rotating about the second shaft S3 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft S2. In the present example embodiment, the second shaft S3 extends in the front-rear direction. In other words, the second shaft S3 extends in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction in which the first shaft S2 extends and the lateral direction in which the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 move relative to each other. In the present example embodiment, the second exterior cover 411 closes a region that is surrounded by the side portion exterior element 413 that is fixed to the wall portion 222 on the one side of the operator's seat protecting device 22 in the lateral direction and by the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior fixed cover 412.

An end portion of the second exterior cover 411 on the other side in the lateral direction is connected to the side portion exterior element 413 or a machine body frame through a hinge 421 including the second shaft S3. Therefore, the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable in the up-down direction about, as a center, the end portion on the other side in the lateral direction. In the present example embodiment, the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable with the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state. The hinge 421 including the second shaft S3 is configured such that, with the second exterior cover 411 being rotated (opened) about the second shaft S3, the other end portion of the second exterior cover 411 in the lateral direction comes into contact with and moves away from an upper surface of the side portion exterior element 413 in the up-down direction. A tube-type sealing element 43 is attached to an end of the side portion exterior element 413 in the lateral direction, and, when the second exterior cover 411 is brought into a closed state, a sealer 430 of the tube-type sealing element 43 comes into close contact with (press-contacts) an inner surface of the other end portion of the second exterior cover 411 in the lateral direction.

The first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 in a mutually closed state are provided so as to overlap each other in plan view. In the present example embodiment, a portion (edge) on one side in the lateral direction of an outer shell (outer edge) of the second exterior cover 411 in plan view extends along an upper end of the first exterior cover 410 and an upper end of a fixing cover.

A planar first seal surface 416a that faces downward and with which the sealer 430 of the tube-type sealing element 43 attached to the exterior fixed cover 412 is configured to come into close contact is provided in a range corresponding to an upper end of the exterior fixed cover 412 at the second exterior cover 411. In other words, in a predetermined range being a range that corresponds to the upper end of the exterior fixed cover 412 at the second exterior cover 411 and that is situated on an inner side of the portion (edge) on the one side in the lateral direction of the outer shell (outer edge) of the second exterior cover 411 in plan view, a planar contact seal surface that contacts the sealer 430 of the tube-type sealing element 43 from above the sealer 430 is provided. In the present example embodiment, an outer peripheral portion of the second exterior cover 411 is folded back inward, and a surface that is an outer surface of the folded back portion and that faces downward defines a plane portion (seal surface) 416a.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a planar second seal surface 416b with which a sealer 430 of a tube-type sealing element 43 attached to the side portion exterior element 413 is capable of coming into close contact is also provided in a range that corresponds to the side portion exterior element 413 at the second exterior cover 411. In other words, in a predetermined range being a range that corresponds to an upper end of the side portion exterior element 413 at the second exterior cover 411 and that is situated on the inner side of the portion (edge) on the one side in the lateral direction of the outer shell (outer edge) of the second exterior cover 411 in plan view, the planar second seal surface 416b that contacts the sealer 430 of the tube-type sealing element 43, attached to the side portion exterior element 413, from above the sealer 430 is provided. In the present example embodiment, an outer peripheral portion of the second exterior cover 411 is folded back inward, and a surface that is an outer surface of the folded back portion and that faces downward defines the second seal surface 416b.

A seal attachment surface 415 that is a surface facing downward and to which the first sealing element 45 is attached is provided in a range that corresponds to the upper end of the first exterior cover 410 at the second exterior cover 411. In other words, in a predetermined range being a range that corresponds to the upper end of the first exterior cover 410 at the second exterior cover 411 and that is situated on the inner side of the portion (edge) on the one side in the lateral direction of the outer shell (outer edge) of the second exterior cover 411 in plan view, the seal attachment surface 415 for attaching the first sealing element 45 is provided. In other words, the first sealing element 45 is fixed to a lower surface of the second exterior cover 411 such that the first sealing element 45 is located inward of an outer edge portion of the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state in plan view.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second exterior cover 411, which is an exterior element, includes, as the seal attachment surface 415, a planar first placement surface 415a for placement of a fixed piece portion 450 (described later) of the first sealing element 45 thereon, and a curved second placement surface 415b which is continuous with the first placement surface 415a and which is for placement of a direction changing portion 451a (described later) of the first sealing element 45 thereon.

More specifically, the seal attachment surface 415 includes a plane portion 415c that extends toward an inner side of the second exterior cover 411 from an outer edge of the second exterior cover 411, the second placement surface 415b that is a curved surface being continuous with the plane portion 415c and that is curved downward with decreasing distance to the inner side, and the planar first placement surface 415a that is continuous with the second placement surface 415b.

The second placement surface 415b is provided such that it conforms to a curved shape of the direction changing portion 451a (described later) of the first sealing element 45. In the present example embodiment, the second placement surface 415b has an arc shape, and a curvature radius R3 of the second placement surface 415b is equal or substantially equal to a curvature radius R1 of the direction changing portion 451a. The first placement surface 415a extends in a tangential direction with respect to the second placement surface 415b (arc-shaped surface). In the present example embodiment, the first placement surface 415a is inclined with respect to the plane portion 415c. In other words, the first placement surface 415a is such that its forward portion is inclined downward with decreasing distance to the inner side.

The plane portion 415c, the first placement surface 415a, and the second placement surface 415b are each provided inward of and along the outer periphery (outer shell) of the second exterior cover 411. In other words, the seal attachment surface 415 extends in an outer peripheral direction of the second exterior cover 411. The plane portion 415c faces in the up-down direction an upper end portion (attachment piece 410a) of the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state so as to be spaced from the upper end portion.

The first sealing element 45 includes the fixed piece portion 450 fixed to the second exterior cover 411, which is an exterior element, and an elastically deformable curved piece portion 451 that is continuous with one edge of the fixed piece portion 450 and that extends from the one edge of the fixed piece portion 450, that is curved such that it is convex toward the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state, and that is configured to contact the first exterior cover 410. It should be noted that although in the present example embodiment, the first sealing element 45 is fixed so as to be capable of contacting the first exterior cover 410 on a side of the second exterior cover 411, this does not imply any limitation, and the first sealing element 45 may be fixed so as to be capable of contacting the second exterior cover 411 on the side of the first exterior cover 410.

In the present example embodiment, the first sealing element 45 includes the fixed piece portion 450 that is provided on the first placement surface 415a of the second exterior cover 411, which is an exterior element, and that is fixed to the first placement surface 415a of the second exterior cover 411, and the elastically deformable curved piece portion 451 that is continuous with the one edge of the fixed piece portion 450 and that extends from the one edge of the fixed piece portion 450, that is provided on the second placement surface 415b of the second exterior cover 411, that is curved such that it is convex toward the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state, and that is configured to contact the first exterior cover 410.

Since the first sealing element 45 is elastic and an edge portion of the curved piece portion 451 is a free edge, even if, for example, twisting occurs in the curved piece portion 451, breakage is prevented due to a high degree of freedom of deformability and without the action of a concentration of force resulting from, for example, the twisting. In the present example embodiment, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 are continuous and integral with each other and include an elastic resin material. Although the material of the first sealing element 45 is not particularly limited as long as the first sealing element 45 is an elastic member having a sealing function, in the present example embodiment, the first sealing element 45 is made of elastomer. In the first sealing element 45 of the present example embodiment, the fixed piece portion 450 is also elastically deformable. When the fixed piece portion 450 is also configured to be elastically deformable in this way, even if a force acts upon a location that is fixed with respect to the second exterior cover 411, this force is absorbed (caused to escape) due to the elastic deformation of the fixed piece portion 450, and the fixed piece portion 450 is prevented from being damaged.

In the present example embodiment, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 have the same or substantially the same thickness. When the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 have the same or substantially the same thickness, a location (place) where the thickness changes suddenly no longer exists, and thus accumulation of a load (stress) at one point is prevented.

The fixed piece portion 450 has an elongated shape which extends in one direction and which has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion 450 coincides with a direction intersecting a first direction (lateral direction in the present example embodiment) in which the exterior element and the first exterior cover 410 move relative to each other when the first exterior cover 410 is opened or closed.

The fixed piece portion 450 extends in a tangential direction with respect to the direction changing portion 451a (described later). In the present example embodiment, the fixed piece portion 450 is fixed to the exterior element by at least one rivet R. In other words, the fixed piece portion 450 is fixed (fastened) to the second exterior cover 411 (first placement surface 415a) by the at least one rivet R including a plurality of rivets R that are spaced from each other by a predetermined interval in the outer peripheral direction of the second exterior cover 411. Since, as a result of the fixed piece portion 450 extending in a tangential direction with respect to the direction changing portion 451a, a connection portion where the fixed piece portion 450 and the direction changing portion 451a are connected to each other becomes continuous, for example, stress is prevented from repeatedly acting in a concentrated manner on the connection portion.

The curved piece portion 451 extends from one of opposite edges of the fixed piece portion 450 in a direction of a short axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the thickness of the fixed piece portion 450. The curved piece portion 451 defines a curve having the center of curvature on an axis which extends along a third direction (front-rear direction in the present example embodiment) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction (lateral direction in the present example embodiment) and a second direction (up-down direction in the present example embodiment) in which the exterior element 411 and the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state are adjacent to each other.

The curved piece portion 451 includes the direction changing portion 451a and a contact portion 451b. The direction changing portion 451a extends from one edge of the fixed piece portion 450 and defines a curve having a center of curvature on a first axis L1 that extends in the third direction (front-rear direction in the present example embodiment) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction (lateral direction in the present example embodiment) and the second direction (up-down direction in the present example embodiment) in which the exterior element 411 and the first exterior cover 410 are adjacent to each other. The contact portion 451b extends from a distal edge of the direction changing portion 451a, defines a curve having the center of curvature on a second axis L2 extending in the third direction (front-rear direction in the present example embodiment), and is configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element.

The direction changing portion 451a and the contact portion 451b have mutually continuous curved shapes. In other words, the direction changing portion 451a is set to have the predetermined curvature radius R1 with respect to the first axis L1 as a center of curvature, and the contact portion 451b is set to have the predetermined curvature radius R2 with respect to the second axis L2 as a center of curvature. In the present example embodiment, the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 coincide or substantially coincide with each other, and the direction changing portion 451a and the contact portion 451b are curved with the curvature radii R1 and R2 that are equal to each other, and are concentrically provided. In other words, in the present example embodiment, the curved piece portion 451 is curved into a perfect circular arc shape. The curved piece portion 451 has the perfect circular arc shape in a normal state, and deforms from the perfect circular arc shape when contacting another object. It should be noted that since FIGS. 10 and 14 are cross sections when viewed from a forward side in the front-rear direction, FIGS. 10 and 14 show the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 as a point (one point).

As shown in FIG. 10, the curved piece portion 451 (contact portion 451b) is provided such that another object (in the present example embodiment, the attachment piece 410a or the second sealing element 46 attached to the attachment piece 410a) contacts therewith in a range of the entire contact portion 451b or a range of part of the contact portion 451b. In other words, the first sealing element 45 is provided such that, when the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 (second sealing element 46) approaches the contact portion 451b from the first direction (lateral direction) (that is, when the attachment piece 410a is brought into a closed state), the attachment piece 410a is positioned in the range of the contact portion 451b of the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45.

In the present example embodiment, the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 (second sealing element 46) is provided so as to contact (press-contact) a portion situated closer to the direction changing portion 451a (upward side) than a top portion (top portion in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) of the contact portion 451b. In the present example embodiment, since the second sealing element 46 is attached to the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410, when the first exterior cover 410 is brought into a closed state, the second sealing element 46 makes line contact with the curved piece portion 451 from the first direction.

In this way, as a result of the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 (second sealing element 46) contacting the portion situated closer to the direction changing portion 451a (upward side) than the top portion (top portion in the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) of the contact portion 451b, a top portion of the curved piece portion 451 (contact portion 451b) is positioned downwardly of the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410, and the first sealing element 45 is caught in the up-down direction by the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 (second sealing element 46 in the present example embodiment).

In particular, since the first sealing element 45 (curved piece portion 451) is elastically deformable, when the first sealing element 45 is to be restored from the deformed state, the curved piece portion 451 (contact portion 451b) press-contacts the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 from an obliquely downward direction. Therefore, even if the first exterior cover 410 opens or closes with the attachment piece 410a of the first exterior cover 410 being in contact with the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 from the lateral direction (first direction), the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 is pushed against the attachment piece 410a and will not escape, and thus contact (press-contact) between the curved piece portion 451 and the attachment piece 410a (second sealing element 46) is sufficiently ensured.

In this way, since the first sealing element 45 directly seals the gap between the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 that are adjacent to each other in the up-down direction, when the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are opened, a large opening in which an opening (opening in a side of the second machine room MRb) that was closed by the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and an opening (opening in the top of the second machine room MRb) that was closed by the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state are continuous with each other (they are in communication with each other in the up-down direction without a known fixing member interposed therebetween) is exposed to the outside.

The fixed piece portion 450 and the contact portion 451b are displaced from each other in a direction (diagonal-vertical direction in the present example embodiment) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the third direction (front-rear direction in the present example embodiment), and, in the direction perpendicular to the third direction, the other of the opposite edges of the fixed piece portion 450 in the direction of the short axis is located outward (downward in the present example embodiment) of the distal edge of the curved piece portion 451 by a predetermined distance D. As described above, the fixed piece portion 450 is fixed to the second exterior cover 411 by the rivet(s) R. Since the other of the opposite edges of the fixed piece portion 450 is located outward of the distal edge of the curved piece portion 451, the rivet(s) R can be provided at the other of the opposite edges of the fixed piece portion 450, the distance between the contact portion 451b (distal edge portion of the curved piece portion 451) and the rivet(s) R can be ensured, and this eliminates or reduces the likelihood that a force resulting from twisting of the curved piece portion 451 will act in a concentrated manner on an area at or around the head of the rivet R, eliminating or reducing the likelihood that, for example, the fixed piece portion 450 will break.

Example embodiments are as described above, and example embodiments of the present invention provide working machines 1 described in items below.

(Item 1) A working machine 1 including a machine body 2 including a frame 21 to support one or more apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and an exterior body 4 to cover the one or more apparatuses 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, wherein the exterior body 4 includes a first exterior cover 410 to open and close by rotating about a first shaft S2 which extends in a predetermined direction, an exterior element 411 adjacent to the first exterior cover 410 in a closed state, and a first sealing element 45 to seal a gap between the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and the exterior element 411, and the first sealing element 45 includes a fixed piece portion 450 to be fixed to one of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411, and an elastically deformable curved piece portion 451 including a first edge portion continuous with one edge of the fixed piece portion 450, and a second edge portion which is a free edge, the curved piece portion 451 including an intermediate portion between the first edge portion and the second edge portion that is curved such that the intermediate portion is convex toward the other of the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and the exterior element 411, and being configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and the exterior element 411.

With the working machine 1 of item 1, since the second edge portion of the curved piece portion 451 configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 is a free edge, even if the first exterior cover 410 is opened or closed with the first sealing element 45 in contact with the other of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 and therefore the first sealing element 45 is pulled or twisted, the curved piece portion 451 elastically deforms to allow a concentrated force (load) to escape, making it possible to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of total or partial breakage.

(Item 2) The working machine 1 according to item 1, wherein the exterior element 411 of the exterior body 4 is a second exterior cover 411 to open and close by rotating about a second shaft S3 which extends in a direction intersecting the first shaft S2.

With the working machine 1 of item 2, the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable by rotating about the second shaft S3, and the apparatus(es) 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 on the frame 21 can be easily accessed. Since the opening and closing directions of the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 differ from each other, the first sealing element 45 provided between the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 may be twisted or pulled when the first exterior cover 410 or the second exterior cover 411 is opened or closed. However, as described above, the first sealing element 45 is configured such that a force resulting from the pulling or twisting caused by the opening and closing of the first exterior cover 410 does not concentrate at one location, thus making it possible to eliminate or reduce the likelihood that the first sealing element 45 will break. In other words, the first sealing element 45 is suitable for use in sealing a gap between the exterior covers 410 and 411 which are opened and closed in different directions.

(Item 3) The working machine 1 according to item 2, wherein the first exterior cover 410 is openable and closable with the second exterior cover 411 kept in the closed state, and the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable with the first exterior cover 410 kept in the closed state.

With the working machine 1 of item 3, although the first exterior cover and the second exterior cover are configured to move in different directions, as described above, even if the first sealing element 45 is pulled or twisted, the curved piece portion 451 elastically deforms to allow a concentrated force (load) to escape, and thus the likelihood of total or partial breakage of the first sealing element 45 is eliminated or reduced.

(Item 4) The working machine 1 according to item 2 or 3, wherein the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are configured such that, when the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are opened, a single opening in which an opening that was closed by the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state and an opening that was closed by the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state are continuous with each other is exposed to an outside.

With the working machine 1 of item 4, when the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are opened, the opening that was closed by the first exterior cover 410 and the opening that was closed by the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state merge with each other to define a large opening, and the large opening is exposed to the outside. Specifically, in the case where the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are provided in the above-described configuration of related art, a fixing member to be contacted by the sealing element is required on a frame (machine body), and therefore the opening closed by the first exterior cover 410 and the opening closed by the second exterior cover 411 are separated by the fixing member. However, since, in example embodiments of the present invention, a fixing member does not need to be provided, a large space with no fixing members therein can be exposed to the outside.

(Item 5) The working machine 1 according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the second exterior cover 411 is located higher than the first exterior cover 410, the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state and the first exterior cover 410 in the closed state overlap each other in plan view, and the first sealing element 45 is fixed to the second exterior cover 411.

With the working machine 1 of item 5, the first exterior cover 410 is openable and closable at a position lower than the second exterior cover 411, and the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable at a position higher than the first exterior cover 410. Therefore, the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 can be opened and closed in different directions at different height positions, and the apparatus(es) 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 on the frame 21 can be easily accessed.

(Item 6) The working machine 1 according to item 5, wherein the first sealing element 45 is fixed to a lower surface of the second exterior cover 411 such that the first sealing element 45 is located inward of an outer edge portion of the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state in plan view, and the first exterior cover 410 is configured to, when in the closed state, contact the first sealing element 45 on the second exterior cover 411 in the closed state.

With the working machine 1 of item 6, even when the first exterior cover 410 and the second exterior cover 411 are opened or closed in different directions, a force resulting from pulling or twisting caused by the opening and the closing of the first exterior cover 410 does not concentrate on one location of the first sealing element 45, thus making it possible to eliminate or reduce the likelihood that the first sealing element 45 is will break.

(Item 7) The working machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 are continuous and integral with each other and include an elastic resin material.

With the working machine 1 of item 7, since the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 are continuous and integral with each other and include an elastic resin material, the continuity thereof is ensured. Therefore, a force does not act in a concentrated manner on, for example, a connection portion where the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 are connected to each other, eliminating or reducing the likelihood of fracture and breakage.

(Item 8) The working machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the fixed piece portion 450 has an elongated shape which extends in one direction and which has a thickness in another direction perpendicular to the one direction, the curved piece portion 451 extends from one of opposite edges of the fixed piece portion 450 in a direction of a short axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the thickness of the fixed piece portion 450, and the fixed piece portion 450 is fixed to one of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 such that the longitudinal axis thereof coincides with a direction intersecting a first direction, the first direction being a direction in which the exterior element 411 and the first exterior cover 410 move relative to each other when the first exterior cover 410 is opened or closed.

With the working machine 1 of item 8, since the first sealing element 45 can be positioned to extend in the longitudinal axis, sealing can be performed in a wide range. (Item 9) The working machine 1 according to item 8, wherein the curved piece portion 451 defines a curve having a center of curvature on an axis L1, L2 which extends along the longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion 450.

With the working machine 1 of item 9, since the centers of curves (centers of curvature) L1 and L2 of the curved piece portion 451 are defined based on an axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion 450, the form (curve) of the curved piece portion 451 is suitable for opening and closing of the first exterior cover 410.

(Item 10) The working machine 1 according to item 8, wherein the curved piece portion 451 includes a direction changing portion 451a which extends from the one edge of the fixed piece portion 450 and which defines a curve having a center of curvature on a first axis L1 extending along the longitudinal axis of the fixed piece portion 450, and a contact portion 451b which extends from a distal edge of the direction changing portion 451a, which defines a curve having a center of curvature on a second axis L2 extending along the first axis L1, and which is configured to contact the other of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411.

With the working machine 1 of item 10, since the direction changing portion 451a and the contact portion 451b of the curved piece portion 451 are curved in a continuous manner, even if pulling or twisting caused by the opening and closing of the first exterior cover 410 occurs, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the likelihood that a force resulting from the pulling or twisting will concentrate on one location.

(Item 11) The working machine 1 according to item 8, wherein the first sealing element 45 is attached to the exterior element 411, the first exterior cover 410 includes a projecting piece 410a which projects in the first direction toward the exterior element 411, and the projecting piece 410a is configured to make line contact with the curved piece portion 451.

With the working machine 1 of item 11, when the first exterior cover 410 is opened or closed, either of the following states is achieved: a state in which the projecting piece 410a makes line contact with the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 and a gap between the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 is sealed; or a state in which the projecting piece 410a is away from the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 and the gap between the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 is open.

(Item 12) The working machine 1 according to item 8, wherein the first sealing element 45 is attached to the exterior element 411, the first exterior cover 410 includes an attachment piece 410a which projects in the first direction toward the exterior element 411, the exterior body 4 includes a second sealing element 46 including an elastic material to enclose the attachment piece 410a, and the second sealing element 46 is configured to make line contact with the curved piece portion 451 from the first direction.

With the working machine 1 of item 12, when the first exterior cover 410 is opened or closed, either of the following states is achieved: a state in which the second sealing element 46 that encloses the attachment piece 410a makes line contact with the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 and a gap between the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 is sealed; or a state in which the second sealing element 46 is away from the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45 and the gap between the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 is open. In particular, since the second sealing element 46 is made of an elastic material and therefore the second sealing element 46 elastically deforms while in line contact with the curved piece portion 451 of the first sealing element 45, the resilience further improves sealing performance.

(Item 13) The working machine 1 according to item 10, wherein the exterior element 411 includes a planar first placement surface 415a for placement of the fixed piece portion 450 thereon, and a curved second placement surface 415b which is continuous with the first placement surface 415a and which is for placement of the direction changing portion 451a thereon.

With the working machine 1 of item 13, since the direction changing portion 451a is placed on the second placement surface 415b, the direction changing portion 451a is allowed to deform in a direction away from the exterior element 411 (second placement surface 415b), but is restricted from deforming freely toward the exterior element 411. Therefore, while the likelihood that the contact portion 451b of the curved piece portion 451 will freely deform is eliminated or reduced, the contact portion 451b is maintained at a position where it can contact the other of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element.

(Item 14) The working machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the fixed piece portion 450 of the first sealing element 45 is fixed to one of the first exterior cover 410 and the exterior element 411 via at least one rivet R.

With the working machine 1 of item 14, the first sealing element 45 can be fixed at an appropriate position using a simple structure.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to example embodiments above, and changes and modifications can be made within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Although, in example embodiments above, the working machine 1 is a backhoe, the working machine 1 is not limited thereto. For example, the working machine 1 may be a construction machine (vehicle) other than a backhoe, or may be an agricultural machine (working vehicle) such as a tractor.

Although, in example embodiments above, a diesel engine is used for the prime mover 60, which is one apparatus, the prime mover 60 is not limited thereto, and the prime mover 60 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine, an LPG engine, or a hydrogen engine. The prime mover 60 is not limited to an internal combustion engine and may be an electric motor.

Although, in example embodiments above, the first sealing element 45 seals a gap between the exterior elements 410 and 411 which are arranged in the direction of extension of the first shaft S2 (up-down direction), the first sealing element 45 is not limited thereto. For example, the first sealing element 45 may seal a gap between two exterior elements which are arranged in the front-rear direction, the lateral direction, or oblique direction. Although, of the two exterior elements 410 and 411 which are sealed by the first sealing element 45, the other exterior element 411 is the second exterior cover 411 that is openable and closable by rotating about the second shaft S3, this does not imply any limitation. Of the two exterior elements 410 and 411, the other exterior element 411 may be an exterior cover that is not openable or closable (is fixed), or may be a frame member that surrounds one of the exterior elements (first exterior cover 410). In other words, the other exterior element is not limited to defining a cover, and only needs to define the exterior body 4.

Although, in example embodiments above, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 (direction changing portion 451a and contact portion 451b) have the same thickness, this does not imply any limitation. For example, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 (direction changing portion 451a and contact portion 451b) may have different thicknesses. However, since an attachment force (fixing force) acts upon the fixed piece portion 450, the thickness may decrease from the fixed piece portion 450 to the curved piece portion 451. In this case, the thickness may decrease stepwise from the fixed piece portion 450 to a distal edge of the curved piece portion 451, or the thickness may decrease gradually (continuously) from the fixed piece portion 450 to the distal edge of the curved piece portion 451.

In example embodiments above, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 are displaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which facing edge portions of the two exterior elements face each other such that the proximal edge of the fixed piece portion 450 projects (extends) relative to the distal edge of the curved piece portion 451 and that the proximal edge of the curved piece portion 451 projects relative to (extends from) the distal edge of the fixed piece portion 450. Note, however, that this does not imply any limitation. For example, the fixed piece portion 450 and the curved piece portion 451 may be positioned without deviation such that the proximal edge of the fixed piece portion 450 and the distal edge of the curved piece portion 451 are aligned and that the proximal edge of the curved piece portion 451 and the distal edge of the fixed piece portion 450 are aligned.

Although, in example embodiments above, the first sealing element 45 is attached only in a range corresponding to the first exterior cover 410, and the tube-type sealing element 43 is attached to the other portions, this does not imply any limitation. For example, part of or the entire first sealing element 43 of the working machine 1 of the present example embodiments above may obviously be the first sealing element 45.

Although, in example embodiments above, the seal attachment surface 415 includes the second placement surface 415b for placement of the direction changing portion 451a, the seal attachment surface 415 is not limited thereto. For example, the seal attachment surface 415 may include only the planar first placement surface 415a for placement o the fixed piece portion 450.

Although, in example embodiments above, the second exterior portion 41 includes, as an exterior element that is adjacent to the first exterior cover 410, the second exterior cover 411 that is openable and closable by rotating about the second shaft S3, this does not imply any limitation. Similarly to the exterior fixed cover 412, the second exterior cover 411 may be an exterior element that is not openable and closable. In other words, the exterior element that is adjacent to the first exterior cover 410 may be openable and closable, or may not be openable and closable.

Although, in example embodiments above, the first shaft S2 about which the first exterior cover 410 rotates extends in the up-down direction, the first shaft S2 is not limited thereto. The first shaft S2 about which the first exterior cover 410 rotates may extend in the front-rear direction or the lateral direction. In conjunction with this, when the second exterior cover 411 is openable and closable, based on the first shaft S2, the second exterior cover 411 may be configured to open and close by rotating about the second shaft S3 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft S2.

While example embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.