SYSTEM, METHOD AND MACHINE FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE BY JOYSTICK ACTION

Abstract

A working machine (1) comprises a joystick (22) for controlling a movement of the working machine, a locking lever (20) for controlling a hydraulic system of the working machine (1), a display (23) for outputting information to an operator inside the working machine (1), and a processing circuit (12). The processing circuit (12) is configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving an input from the locking lever (20), to perform an idle stop operation of an engine (11) of the working machine (1), to output an instruction to the operator on the display (23), to actuate the joystick (22) to restart the engine (11) of the working machine (1), to detect a predetermined actuation of the joystick (22), to perform an engine restart operation if the predetermined actuation of the joystick (22) is detected, and to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving an input from the locking lever (20).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines having joysticks for controlling engine restart, and to systems, assemblies, and methods therefor. State of the art

[0002] Certain types of construction machinery have an automatic stop function that can automatically stop the engine when a predetermined automatic stop condition occurs (e.g., when an operating lever for operating a work actuator is not operated).

[0003] Japanese patent JP3825289B2 ("the JP 289 patent") describes an engine control device for a work machine that can perform an idle stop operation or an engine restart operation without operating a key switch. According to the JP 289 patent, the engine can be restarted with a single button press by the operator of the work machine operating a control lever or by operating a switch mounted on the control lever, without operating the key switch.

[0004] On the other hand, the construction machinery may be equipped with a locking lever that can switch a hydraulic circuit into an operational state or into an inoperative state, and the engine can also be stopped by operating the locking lever.

[0005] The desire has been expressed to be able to restart the engine of the work machine, whereby both a usability condition of the control lever and the locking lever, as well as a safety condition, must be met. It may also be desirable to restart the engine without having to press a push-to-start (PTS) button. Brief description

[0006] According to one aspect, a work machine is described or provided. The work machine may include a joystick for controlling movement of the work machine, a locking lever for controlling a hydraulic system of the work machine, a display for outputting information to an operator within the work machine, and processing circuitry.The processing circuit may be configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving an input from the lock lever, perform an idle stop operation of an engine of the work machine, output an instruction to the operator on the display, operate the joystick lever to restart the engine of the work machine, determine a predetermined detection operation of the joystick, perform a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined detection operation of the joystick is determined, and unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for a work machine is disclosed or implemented. The method may include outputting on a display of the work machine an instruction for an operator to operate an actuation lever to restart the engine of the work machine after an idle stop operation, the actuation lever controlling movement of the work machine; detecting a predetermined actuation of the actuation lever while locking a hydraulic system without a first input to the lock lever, the first input being a first physical input to lock the hydraulic system by the lock lever; performing an engine restart operation; determining that the actuation lever is in a neutral position; and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the lock lever, the second input being a second physical input to unlock the hydraulic system by the lock lever.

[0008] And in another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed or provided.The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium may comprise computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by an information handling system of a work machine, causing the information handling system to perform a method, the method comprising: locking a hydraulic system without a first mechanical input, performing an idle stop operation of an engine of a work machine, determining a predetermined operation of an operating lever in response to the output of information and an instruction for an operator to operate the operating lever to restart the engine of the work machine, performing a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined operation of the operating lever is determined, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical input.

[0009] Further features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a side view of an excavator as an example of a work machine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, implementable on work machines according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a control system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary user interface according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Detailed description

[0010] The present disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines with joysticks for controlling engine restarts, as well as systems, assemblies, and methods therefor. In general, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may implement the work machine capable of software-locking a hydraulic system during the idle-stop operation regardless of the position of a lock lever, and further capable of restarting the engine by detecting a predetermined operation of a joystick lever, for example, to meet safety conditions and usability of the work machine.

[0011] About the characters: Fig. 1 shows a hydraulic excavator as a work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, wherein the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to hydraulic excavators. With regard to the work machine 1, an upper swing body 2 as a machine body may be provided rotatably on a lower traveling body 3 via a swing bearing section 4. A cabin 5 may be mounted on one side of a front part of the upper swing body 2, and a driver's seat, an operating lever, a foot pedal, and other components may be installed in the cabin 5. In addition, a boom 6 for excavation work may be mounted on the other side of the front part of the upper swing body 2. An engine 11 (in Fig. 2) and a drive device such as a hydraulic pump driven by the engine may be mounted on the rear part of the upper swing body 2 and covered with a drive device cover 7.

[0012] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a system of Fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the motor 11, which serves as the energy source, can be controlled by a control unit 12, which can regulate the start, stop, and speed of the motor 11. The start of the motor 11 can be controlled, for example, by a control signal from the control unit 12 via a regulator control 13 and a general circuit for supplying power from a battery 14 to a starter 15, which starts the motor 11 via a start switch 17. The control unit 12 in Fig. 2 can perform an idle stop operation so that the engine 11 can be automatically stopped, for example, when the work machine 1 is in the idle state continuously for a predetermined time or longer.

[0013] A hydraulic pump 18 is driven in rotation by the engine 11, and the pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 18 is supplied via an actuator circuit 19 to various hydraulic actuators (e.g., the hydraulic cylinders of an arm and a bucket mounted at the end of the boom 6, as well as the hydraulic motors of the upper swing body 2 and the lower traveling body 3 of the work machine 1). The hydraulic actuators and the hydraulic motors for the work machine 1 can be controlled by a control signal from the control unit 12 by operating a locking lever 20.

[0014] The locking lever 20 can be a lever for operating the hydraulic system of the working machine 1. The Fig. 2 shown locking lever 20 can be in the Fig. 1, and the operator of the work machine 1 can manually move the locking lever 20 from a locking position (i.e., a locking state) to an unlocking position (i.e., an unlocking state). Specifically, the controller 12 can detect an unlocking signal through a limit switch 21 and enable control of the hydraulic actuators when the locking lever 20 is in the unlocking position. Conversely, when the locking lever 20 is in the locking position, the controller 12 can implement control to stop the operation of the hydraulic actuators.In other words, the controller 12 can control the operation of a hydraulic lock valve so that the hydraulic lock is activated when the lock lever 20 is opened (locked state) and that the hydraulic lock is released when the lock lever 20 is closed (unlocked state), as described above, based on a signal from the limit switch 21.

[0015] Optionally or alternatively, the locking lever 20 can serve as a gate lever which, in the unlocked state, prevents the operator from entering and exiting the cabin 5, while the locking lever 20, in the locked state, can enable entry and exit into the cabin 5.

[0016] The start switch 17 may be a switch for switching the electrical power supply of the motor 11 on and off during normal operation. Fig. The start switch 17 shown in Figure 2 can be used in the Fig. 1. Alternatively, the start switch 17 may be implemented as a push-to-start (PTS) button, requiring the operator to perform a two-step process of rotating the PTS knob and then pressing the center of the PTS knob to safely start the engine 11. More specifically, the operator may rotate the PTS button from an "OFF" position to a "START" position, and a message may be displayed on the operator interface 23 prompting the operator to press the PTS button. In response to the message, the operator may press the center of the PTS button, transmitting an engine start command signal to the starter motor 15 via the control unit 12, ultimately starting the engine 11. Here, it may not be practical for the operator to operate the start switch 17 each time they restart the engine 11 after the idle-stop process.

[0017] The joystick lever(s) 22 may be a control lever to control the movement of the working machine 1, e.g. the rotational movement of the upper swing body 2 and the travel movement of the lower travel body 3. The joystick lever(s) 22 may be a control lever to control the movement of the working machine 1, e.g. the rotational movement of the upper swing body 2 and the travel movement of the lower travel body 3. Fig. 2 shown joystick lever(s) 22 can be used in the Fig. 1 shown cabin 5. The work machine 1 may, for example, contain a set of two joystick levers 22 for both hands, as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0018] In this embodiment, the joystick levers 22 can also be used to control the restart of the engine 11 by specifying a predetermined operation after the engine shutdown. For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from either of the joystick levers 22 is more than 75% (i.e., tilt) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 can determine the input as a predetermined operation. The execution of the restart of the engine 11 by an input of the joystick lever 22 will be described with reference to the Fig. 5-8.

[0019] The operator interface 23 may, for example, be a control panel implemented on or as a display device, for example, displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides part or all of the operator interface 23. The operator interface 23 may be (or be part of) a touch panel for displaying a keypad and / or selectable content on a screen to receive inputs from the operator of the work machine 1. Such an operator interface 23 may be implemented using multiple display devices according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, the operator interface 23 may display information to the operator about the state (or states) of the engine 11 and the hydraulic lock.

[0020] It is pointed out that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific arrangement of the working machine 1 as shown in Fig. 2. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may, for example, include additional elements for operating the work machine 1 and for controlling the engine stop / restart function of the work machine 1.

[0021] Now to Fig. 3, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a control device 31 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As in Fig. 3, the control system 31 may include a controller 38, which may be implemented in a control circuit or using a control circuit, one or more operator inputs 32, a communication unit 33, a memory 34, one or more displays 35, an audio unit 36, and one or more sensors 37. The controller 38, as used herein, may include only one controller or multiple controllers.

[0022] The memory 34 may be operatively coupled to the control unit 38 and may be external to the control unit 38, as in Fig. 3, and / or within the control unit 38, i.e., as part of the control unit 38. In general, the memory 34 can receive and store data or information about the operation of the work machine 1. For example, the memory 34 can receive and store information about the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22.

[0023] The communication unit 33 may be (or may be part of) the communication system 31. In this regard, the communication unit 33 may include a transmission circuit for transmitting information or data, such as information about the engine status and / or the hydraulic lock status, to a back-office system. Optionally, the communication unit 33 may have a reception circuit for receiving information or data from the back-office system, for example. In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 may be configured with a communication device such as a local CAN, a wired or wireless LAN, a communication card for Bluetooth, a router for communication, and a modem for communication.

[0024] The audio unit 36 ​​may consist of one or more loudspeakers, which are mounted, for example, in the cabin 5, to output acoustic information, such as warnings, to the operator of the work machine 1. For example, the audio unit 36 ​​may output an acoustic warning that the locking lever 22 is unlocked when the operator exits the cabin 5. The audio unit 36 ​​may, for example, output an acoustic message to prompt the operator to move the joystick lever 22 to restart the engine 11.

[0025] The one or more sensors 37 can capture various information from the work machine 1. The one or more sensors 37 can include, for example, a position sensor associated with the rotation or pivoting of the work machine 1, a three-axis acceleration sensor (including an acceleration sensor, a gravity detection sensor, and a fall detection sensor), or a three-axis acceleration sensor (including an angular velocity sensor and a geomagnetic sensor). The outputs of the one or more sensors 37 can be forwarded to the controller 38. Optionally, the information from at least one of the sensors 37 can be displayed on the display 35.

[0026] The operator input(s) 32 may be (or become) part of the start switch 17, the locking lever 20, the joystick lever 22, and the operator interface 23. The operator input for the start switch 17 may be to send an engine start command signal via the control unit 38 to the Fig. 2 shown starter 15 to start the Fig. 2. Using the locking lever 20, the operator can send an unlocking signal to the control unit 38 shown in Fig. 2 to control the hydraulic lock. The joystick lever 22 can be operated by the operator to control the operation of the work machine 1. For example, the operator's input to the joystick lever 22 can control the rotation or pivoting of the work machine 1 and the restarting operation of the engine, which can be performed with reference to the Fig. 4-8. The operator's inputs at the operator interface 23 can be made via a touch panel with the operator interface 23.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the displays 35 may be part of the Fig. 2. In this context, this at least one display 35 can be implemented on a display device of a graphical user interface (GUI). Optionally, the one or more displays 35 can output a warning message and a message to the operator of the work machine 1, e.g., information about the status of the engine 11 and the hydraulic lock to the operator.

[0028] The controller 38 may output control signals to various system components (e.g., hydraulic systems, electrical systems, etc.) to control the movement of the work machine 1 in response to the operator input(s) 32. The controller 38 may include a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Fig. 3 shown control unit 38 can be Fig. 2 and perform various functions shown in Fig. 2 are described.

[0029] In an exemplary implementation, the controller 31 of the work machine 1, or portions thereof, may be implemented using circuits or processing circuits that may include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application Specific Integrated Circuits”), CPUs (Central Processing Units), a microprocessing unit (MPU), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof that are configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors may be considered processing circuitry or circuits because they include transistors and other circuits. The processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In the disclosure, the circuits, units, or means may be hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the disclosed functionality.The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. If the hardware is a processor, which can be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units may be a combination of hardware and software, with the software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0030] Now to Fig. 4: Fig. 4 shows an exemplary user interface 23 that may be provided on at least one display 35 and that may be implemented on a graphical user interface (GUI) display device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0031] The display 35 can show a screen 41 that prompts the operator of the work machine 1 to move the joystick lever 22. Here, in Fig. 4, a field 42 can display a warning message to the operator of the work machine 1.

[0032] Similarly, a field 43 may display a message prompting the operator of the work machine 1 to move the joystick lever 22 to restart the engine during an idle stop operation.

[0033] Optionally, the screen 41 may include a menu button 46 to display menu items.

[0034] Optionally, the display 35, as in Fig. 3, be equipped with a touch panel so that the operator of the working machine 1 can enter setting information and commands corresponding to the fields 42-46 into the control unit 38 via the screen 41 through the touch panel of the display 35.

[0035] It is noted that the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter do not limit the specific arrangement of the fields and buttons on the screen as in Fig. 4. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may, for example, arrange the fields and buttons in other positions or provide more fields and buttons on the screen for other functions of the work machine 1. Industrial applicability

[0036] As already mentioned, the present disclosure relates to work machines, in particular to construction machines with joysticks for controlling engine restart, as well as to systems, assemblies and methods therefor.

[0037] Fig. 5-8 are flowcharts of a method for controlling an idle stop operation and a restart operation of the engine 11 of the work machine 1, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Some or all of the operations of the methods may be performed by or with the assistance of the controller 12 or the controller 38. Furthermore, some or all of the methods may be performed via a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium (or media) having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., of the controller 12), cause the one or more processors to perform some or all of the methods.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the idle stop operation of the engine 11 as described above, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0039] The method for controlling the idle stop operation may be initiated when the work machine 1 is in an idle state while the engine 11 is switched on. As in Fig. 5, the control unit 12 may determine whether a predetermined time has passed since the control unit 12 last detected a control input from the work machine 1 (S1). Practically, the predetermined time may be set by the control unit 12 to any value within a range of, for example, 3 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may detect the control input from the work machine 1 through the sensors 37, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0040] Next, if the determination of step S1 is YES, the controller 12 may perform a pending engine shutdown process (S2). Specifically, the pending engine shutdown may be a preparatory process for engine shutdown, and the controller 12 may start counting the time from the start of the pending engine shutdown mode to the current time as the "engine shutdown idle time."

[0041] On the other hand, if the determination in step S1 is NO, ie the control unit 12 detects a predetermined control input to the work machine 1 before the expiration of the predetermined time, the processing may be transferred to step S1 of the Fig. 5. The predefined control input to be recognized in step S1 may be, for example, an actuation input via the joystick lever 22, a foot pedal that may be installed in the cab 5 to move the work machine 1, or another physical actuation input via the operator input(s) 32.

[0042] Next, the control unit 12 can lock the hydraulic system via software control (S3), regardless of the position of the lock lever 20. Specifically, the control unit 12 can transmit a hydraulic system lock signal to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Locking the hydraulic system via software can prevent unintentional movement of the work machine 1 and ensure safety. More practically, the hydraulic system lock can be implemented via software such that a hydraulic lock solenoid valve in a control circuit of the hydraulic system of the work machine 1 is energized, regardless of the operation of the lock lever 20.

[0043] Next, the controller 12 can determine whether the engine shutdown is aborted by the operator (S4). Specifically, if the controller 12 detects an input via the operator interface 23 indicating that the operator has aborted the idle stop process, the controller 12 can determine that the engine shutdown has been aborted. For example, the determination can be made by displaying a cancellation message on the operator interface 23, allowing the operator of the work machine 1 to select "Abort" to abort the idle stop process.

[0044] Next, if the determination of step S4 is NO, the controller 12 may determine whether the engine shutdown idle time has elapsed (S5). Specifically, the controller 12 may determine whether the engine shutdown idle time from the engine shutdown pending mode to the current time exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0045] Next, if the determination in step S5 is YES, the control unit 12 may perform the engine shutdown (S6). Specifically, the control unit 12 may shut down the engine 11 regardless of the position of the start switch 17. By shutting down the engine in S6, the work machine 1 may enter a "key-on" state in which the engine key indicates "ON" while the engine is shut down.

[0046] Next, the processing may proceed to step S11 of the Fig. 6 shown processing (shown as A).

[0047] However, if the determination in step S4 is YES, the processing can proceed to step S7 of the Fig. The processing shown in Figure 5 can be continued.

[0048] In step S7, the controller 12 can unlock the hydraulic system via software control (S7), regardless of the position of the locking lever 20. In particular, the controller 12 can transmit an unlock signal for locking the hydraulic system to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the locking lever 20. Following step S8, processing can resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 can indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 has returned to normal operation. In particular, the engine 11 can be started during normal operation by a normal start sequence using the PTS (Push-to-Start) button.

[0049] If the determination of step S5 is NO, ie the idle time of engine shutdown has not elapsed, the processing can proceed to S4 of the Fig. Return to the processing shown in Figure 5.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for controlling the restart process of the work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 6 may be carried out following the processing described with reference to Fig. The engine shutdown processing (S6) described in section 5 must be carried out.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the controller 12 can output a message to the operator of the work machine 1 to operate the joystick lever 22 (S11). More specifically, in step S11, the controller 12 can output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, or alternatively, the controller 12 can output the guidance information or the message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the audio unit 36, e.g., a loudspeaker.

[0052] Following step S11, the controller 12 may determine whether a predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is detected (S12). For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from one of the two joystick levers 22 is greater than 75% (i.e., tilting) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 may determine the input as the predetermined operation. According to one or more embodiments, only one of the two joystick levers 22 may be designated to perform the predetermined operation.

[0053] If the determination of step S12 is YES, that is, the controller 12 determines that the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 has been detected, the controller 12 may start the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S13). More specifically, the controller 12 may transmit the control signal to the governor controller 13 to start the engine 11. Since the engine 11 was already running before the shutdown, the starting of the engine 11 may be referred to or characterized herein as restarting the engine 11.

[0054] In the event that the determination of step S12 is NO, ie the control unit 12 determines that the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is not recognized, the processing can proceed to S11 of the Fig. 6. More specifically, when the control unit 12 detects another operation by the operator that is different from the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator, the processing in step S12 may return to S11 of the processing shown in Fig. 6. On the other hand, if the control unit 12 detects no operator operation for a predetermined time in step S12, the control unit 12 may control the work machine 1 to shut down to protect the battery.

[0055] Next, the controller 12 may determine whether the joystick lever 22 is in a neutral position (S14). Specifically, the controller 12 may detect each position of the set of two joystick levers 22 through the sensors 37. More specifically, in step S14, the controller 12 may detect that all operator inputs 32 (e.g., the joystick lever 22, a foot pedal, etc.) should be in the neutral position for safety reasons.

[0056] If the determination in step S14 is YES, that is, if the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is in the neutral position, the controller 12 may unlock the hydraulic system via software (S15). Specifically, the controller 12 may transmit an unlock signal for locking the hydraulic system to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Following step S15, processing may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 is returning to normal operation.

[0057] If the determination in step S14 is NO, i.e., the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position, the controller 12 may issue a warning message to the operator of the work machine 1 (S16). More specifically, in step S16, the controller 12 may issue a warning message via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35, indicating to the operator that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position. Alternatively or alternatively, the controller 12 may output the warning information or the warning message indicating that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position to the operator via the audio unit 36, e.g., via a loudspeaker. Following step S16, the processing may proceed to S14 of the Fig. Return to the processing shown in Figure 6.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for controlling the manual engine restart of the work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. The processing shown in Fig. 7 can be performed when the operator of the working machine 1 can start the engine 11 in a normal situation.

[0059] The control unit 12 can instruct the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the locking position (S21). More specifically, in step S21, the control unit 12 can output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the locking position via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, or alternatively, the control unit 12 can output the guidance information or the message instructing the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the locking position via the audio unit 36, e.g., via a loudspeaker.

[0060] Next, in response to an operator input to the locking lever 20, the controller 12 may instruct the operator to turn on the start switch 17 to restart the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S22). More specifically, in step S22, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to turn on the start switch 17 via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, or alternatively, the controller 12 may output the instruction to turn on the start switch 17 via the audio unit 36, e.g., via a loudspeaker.

[0061] Next, in response to the operator's actuation of the start switch 17, the controller 12 may instruct the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the locking position (S23). More specifically, in step S23, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the unlocking position via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, or alternatively, the controller 12 may output the guidance information or the message instructing the operator to move the locking lever 20 to the unlocking position via the audio unit 36, e.g., a speaker.

[0062] Following step S23, processing may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the control unit 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine is returning to normal operation.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for controlling the restart process of the work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In more practical terms, Fig. 8 shows a flowchart for controlling the restart process of the work machine 1, which also includes the determination of the hydraulic pressure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 8 may be carried out following the processing described with reference to Fig. 5 described processing of determining the position of the locking lever 22 during the idle stop process (S7) as an alternative embodiment to the processing described in Fig. 6 processes shown are carried out.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 12 can issue a message to the operator of the work machine 1 to actuate the joystick lever 22 (S31). Step S31 can essentially be carried out with the Fig. 6. More specifically, in step S31, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, or alternatively, the controller 12 may output the guidance information or the message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the audio unit 36, e.g., a loudspeaker.

[0065] Following step S31, the control unit 12 can determine whether a predetermined actuation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is detected (S32). Step S32 can essentially be carried out with the Fig. 6. For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from one of the two joystick levers 22 is greater than 75% (i.e., tilting) for a predetermined time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 may determine the input as the predetermined operation. According to one or more embodiments, only one of the two joystick levers 22 may be designated to perform the predetermined operation.

[0066] If the determination of step S32 is YES, that is, the controller 12 determines that the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 has been detected, the controller 12 may start the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S33). More specifically, the controller 12 may transmit the control signal to the governor controller 13 to start the engine 11. Since the engine 11 was already running before the shutdown, the starting of the engine 11 may be referred to or characterized herein as restarting the engine 11.

[0067] In the event that the determination of step S32 is NO, ie the control unit 12 determines that the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is not recognized, the processing can proceed to S31 of the Fig. 8. More specifically, when the control unit 12 detects another operation by the operator that is different from the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator, the processing in step S32 may return to S31 of the processing shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the control unit 12 detects no operator operation for a predetermined time in step S32, the control unit 12 may control the work machine 1 to shut down to protect the battery.

[0068] Next, the control unit 12 may determine whether the engine 11 is running or not (S34). Specifically, the control unit 12 may detect a signal from the engine 11 to check the status of the engine 11.

[0069] In the case that the determination in step S34 is NO, ie the control unit 12 determines that the status of the engine 11 is not “running”, the processing may proceed to S31 of the Fig. Return to the processing shown in Figure 8.

[0070] In the case where the determination of step S34 is YES, i.e., the controller 12 determines that the status of the engine 11 is not "running," the controller 12 may output a message on the operator interface 23 (S35) that the system is resuming. More specifically, in step S35, the controller 12 may output a warning message or a message indicating that the system is resuming via the operator interface 23, e.g., the display 35. Alternatively, the controller 12 may output the information or message indicating that the system is resuming via the audio unit 36, e.g., a loudspeaker.

[0071] Next, the controller 12 may determine whether the joystick lever 22 is in a neutral position and whether a predetermined hydraulic pump pressure condition is met (S36). In particular, the controller 12 may detect each position of the set of two joystick levers 22 through the sensors 37. More specifically, in step S36, the controller 12 may detect that all operator inputs 32 (e.g., the joystick lever 22, a foot pedal, etc.) should be in the neutral position for safety reasons. Furthermore, in step S36, the controller 12 may determine whether the pressure of the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system of the work machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value. In this embodiment, determining the predetermined hydraulic pump pressure condition may serve to ensure a minimum release pressure for a swing parking brake of the swing body 2 when the hydraulic lock is released after the engine restarts.

[0072] If the determination in step S36 is YES, that is, the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is in the neutral position and the predetermined hydraulic pump pressure condition is met, the controller 12 may unlock the hydraulic system via software (S37). Specifically, the controller 12 may transmit an unlock signal for locking the hydraulic system to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Following step S37, processing may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 is returning to normal operation.

[0073] If the determination in step S36 is NO, the controller 12 may determine whether the joystick lever 22 has been in a neutral position for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.2 seconds) (S38). If the determination in step S38 is YES, that is, the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 has been in the neutral position for the predetermined period of time, processing may proceed to step S37.

[0074] In the event that the determination in step S38 is NO, that is, the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position during the predetermined period of time, the processing may return to step S35.

[0075] As described above, the processing may also include determining the hydraulic safety pressure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0076] It is noted that the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific arrangement of the processing steps as described in the Fig. 5-8. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may add further processing steps to control the idle stop operation and the restart operation of the engine 11 of the work machine 1.

[0077] As a result of the embodiments, a work machine can perform the idle stop operation and the restart operation of the engine by a combination of the software control of the lock lever for the hydraulic system and a predetermined operation of the joystick lever to satisfy the safety conditions and usability of the work machine.

[0078] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a work machine may include a joystick for controlling the movement of the work machine, a lock lever for controlling the hydraulic system of the work machine, a display for outputting information to an operator in the work machine, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever, perform an idle stop operation of an engine of the work machine, output an instruction to the operator on the display, operate the joystick lever to restart the engine of the work machine, determine a predetermined detection operation of the joystick, perform a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined detection operation of the joystick is determined, and unlock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever.

[0079] The working machine can perform the idle stop operation and the engine restart operation through a combination of the software control of the hydraulic system lock lever and a predetermined operation of the joystick lever to meet the safety conditions and usability of the working machine.

[0080] In addition, the work machine can restart the engine after the idle stop procedure without having to operate the engine start switch under certain conditions. This can increase usability.

[0081] In addition to the position of a joystick lever, the work machine can also determine a predetermined state of the pressure of a hydraulic pump.

[0082] In another aspect, a method for a work machine is disclosed or implemented. The method may include outputting on a display of the work machine an instruction for an operator to operate an actuation lever to restart the engine of the work machine after an idle stop operation, the actuation lever controlling movement of the work machine; detecting a predetermined actuation of the actuation lever while locking a hydraulic system without a first input to the lock lever, the first input being a first physical input to lock the hydraulic system by the lock lever; performing an engine restart operation; determining that the actuation lever is in a neutral position; and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the lock lever, the second input being a second physical input to unlock the hydraulic system by the lock lever.

[0083] And in another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed or provided.The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium may comprise computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by an information handling system of a work machine, causing the information handling system to perform a method, the method comprising: locking a hydraulic system without a first mechanical input, performing an idle stop operation of an engine of a work machine, determining a predetermined operation of an operating lever in response to the output of information and an instruction for an operator to operate the operating lever to restart the engine of the work machine, performing a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined operation of the operating lever is determined, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical input.

[0084] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modifying the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 3825289B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Work machine (1), comprising: a joystick (22) for controlling the movement of the working machine (1); a locking lever (20) for controlling a hydraulic system of the working machine (1); a display (23) for outputting information to an operator in the work machine (1); and a processing circuit (12) configured to to lock the hydraulic system without receiving an input from the locking lever (20), to carry out an idle stop operation of an engine (11) of the working machine (1), to issue an instruction to the operator on the display (23) to operate the joystick (22) to restart the engine (11) of the working machine (1), to detect a predetermined actuation of the joystick (22), to carry out a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined operation of the joystick (22) is detected, and to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the locking lever (20). [2] Working machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is further configured to determine whether the joystick (22) is in a neutral position, and wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20) when the joystick (22) is in the neutral position. [3] Work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation of the joystick (22) is an input to the joystick (22) for a period of a predetermined time. [4] The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to perform a manual restart operation of the engine, the manual restart operation comprising the output of an instruction on the display (23) to turn on a start switch (17) of the engine (11) by the operator. [5] The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to send a lock signal to the hydraulic system regardless of a lock position of the lock lever (20) to lock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20). [6] The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to send an unlock signal to the hydraulic system regardless of a lock lever position (20) to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20). [7] Work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation of the joystick (22) involves inclining the joystick (22) by a predetermined amount or more for at least a predetermined period of time. [8] The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the work machine (1) comprises a set of two joysticks (22) as the joystick (22), wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to perform the restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined operation of at least one of the two joysticks (22) is detected. [9] The work machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to determine, in addition to determining whether the joystick (22) is in the neutral position, whether a hydraulic pump pressure exceeds a predetermined value, and wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20) both under the condition that the joystick (22) is in the neutral position and under the condition that the hydraulic pump pressure exceeds a predetermined value. [10] A work machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined value is set based on the release pressure for a swing body parking brake of an upper swing body (2) of the work machine (1). [11] Method for controlling a work machine (1), comprising: Outputting an instruction to an operator on a display (23) of the work machine (1) to operate an operating lever (22) to restart the engine (11) of the work machine (1) after an idle stop operation, the operating lever (22) controlling the movement of the work machine (1); Detecting a predetermined actuation of the actuating lever (22) while locking a hydraulic system without a first input to the locking lever (20), the first input being a first physical input for locking the hydraulic system by the locking lever (20); Performing an engine restart procedure; Determining that the operating lever (22) is in a neutral position; and Unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the locking lever (20), wherein the second input is a second physical input for unlocking the hydraulic system by the locking lever (20). [12] The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined actuation of the actuating lever (22) is an actuation of the actuating lever (22) for a predetermined period of time. [13] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Output of warning information on the display (23) when it is detected that the operating lever (22) is not in the neutral position. [14] Method according to claim 11, wherein the operating lever (22) is a joystick (22). [15] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by an information processing system of a work machine (1), causing the information processing system to perform a method, the method comprising: Locking a hydraulic system without an initial mechanical input; Carrying out an idle stop operation of an engine (11) of a work machine (1); Determining a predetermined operation of an operating lever (22) in response to the output of information, an instruction for an operator to operate the operating lever (22) to restart the engine (11) of the work machine (1); Performing a restart operation of the engine under the condition that the predetermined operation of the operating lever (22) is determined; and Unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical actuation. [16] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the first mechanical input is an input through a locking lever (20) to lock the hydraulic system. [17] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the second mechanical input is an input by a locking lever (20) for unlocking the hydraulic system. [18] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the operating lever (22) is a joystick (22). [19] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the predetermined actuation of the joystick (22) is a tilt of the joystick (22) by a predetermined amount or more for at least a predetermined period of time. [20] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 18, wherein the operating lever (22) is a set of two joysticks (22), wherein the execution of the restarting operation of the engine is carried out under the condition that the predetermined operation is determined by at least one of the two joysticks (22).

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