Tracked vehicles including user interface

Abstract

A tracked vehicle includes: a plurality of track sections; at least one auxiliary device; a user interface; and a control unit configured to display a main screen divided into a plurality of main screen sections on a display, wherein the plurality of main screen sections are displayed together on the main screen and each is located in a different position therein; wherein each main screen section is configured to display an image representing one or more data related to the tracked vehicle; the control unit is configured to detect one or more selections made by an operator, preferably by means of touch, on the display, corresponding to one or more types of data to be displayed in each section of the display, and to display a main screen section in each section of the display, wherein each main screen section is configured to show a corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator for said section of the display.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102019000025747, filed on December 30, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a tracked vehicle including a user interface, and more particularly to a snow groomer including a user interface. Background Technology

[0004] Tracked vehicles typically include: one or more attachments, such as a pusher, snowplow, and winch; and a user interface, including joysticks coupled to the one or more attachments to control their movement, and displays for showing various parameters related to the tracked vehicle and the one or more attachments. Depending on the type of tracked vehicle, it may include two joysticks or a steering wheel and multiple pedals to control the tracks.

[0005] Each display on a tracked vehicle is different from those on other tracked vehicles, and the information is placed in different locations. Therefore, it is difficult for operators using different tracked vehicles to immediately keep all the necessary information under control each time, and they must adapt to different displays each time. Often, operators who prefer certain displays on certain tracked vehicles have personal preferences, while operators who prefer other displays on other tracked vehicles have other personal preferences. This clearly leads each operator to prefer using one tracked vehicle over another based on personal preference, because he / she believes one tracked vehicle is easier to use than another. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a tracked vehicle that can mitigate at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] Therefore, according to the present invention, a tracked vehicle is provided, preferably a snow groomer for preparing ski slopes, comprising:

[0008] Multiple track sections;

[0009] At least one auxiliary device, selected from a combination including a pusher or blade, a snowplow assembly, and a winch assembly;

[0010] The user interface includes a display and a selector device for receiving instructions from an operator, preferably a device for detecting touches made by the operator on the display.

[0011] The control unit, coupled to the user interface, particularly to the display, is used to send images to be displayed to the display and to receive instructions related to detected touches from the display.

[0012] The control unit is configured to display a main screen divided into multiple main screen sections on a display, wherein the multiple main screen sections are displayed together on the main screen and each is displayed in a different position on the main screen; wherein each main screen section is configured to display an image representing one or more data related to the tracked vehicle.

[0013] The control unit is configured to detect one or more selections made by the operator, preferably by touch, on the display, corresponding to one or more types of data that need to be displayed in each part of the display, and to display a main screen portion in each part of the display, wherein each main screen portion is configured to display a corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator for that part of the display.

[0014] Alternatively, the operator's choices can be preset and / or selected from multiple standard settings.

[0015] With the help of this invention, the operator has access to a much larger amount of information, all of which is displayed together on a single display, and most importantly, can choose which information to display in each section of the display.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying information and / or setting instructions in a tracked vehicle, particularly a snow groomer, by means of a display in the tracked vehicle.

[0017] According to the present invention, a method is provided for displaying information and / or setting instructions in a tracked vehicle, preferably a snow groomer, by means of a display in the tracked vehicle, the tracked vehicle preferably being a snow groomer for preparing a ski slope, comprising: a plurality of track sections; at least one accessory device selected from a combination including a pusher or shovel, a snowplow assembly and a winch assembly; and a display.

[0018] The method includes the following steps:

[0019] A main screen is displayed on the monitor, which is divided into multiple main screen sections, wherein the multiple main screen sections are displayed together on the main screen and each is displayed in a different position on the main screen; wherein each main screen section is configured to display an image showing one or more data related to the tracked vehicle;

[0020] The operator preferably makes one or more selections on the display via touch, corresponding to the (multiple) types of data that need to be displayed in each part of the display;

[0021] A main screen portion is displayed in each section of the display, wherein each main screen portion is configured to show a corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator for that portion of the display.

[0022] Alternatively, the operator's choices can be preset and / or selected from multiple standard settings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] - Figure 1 This is a side view of a tracked vehicle manufactured according to the present invention;

[0025] - Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the details of tracked vehicle 1;

[0026] - Figure 3 It is in a display mode. Figure 1 A view of the screen of the tracked vehicle's display.

[0027] - Figure 4 It is in another display mode. Figure 1 Another screen view of the tracked vehicle's display;

[0028] - Figure 5 It is in another display mode. Figure 1 Another screen view of the tracked vehicle's display;

[0029] - Figure 6 It is in another display mode. Figure 1 Another screen view of the tracked vehicle's display; and

[0030] - Figure 7 It is in another display mode. Figure 1 Another screen view of the tracked vehicle's display. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Reference Figure 1 Tracked vehicles according to one embodiment of the invention, particularly snow groomers for preparing ski slopes, are generally indicated by reference numeral 1 in the drawings.

[0032] The tracked vehicle 1 includes a frame 2 extending along a longitudinal axis D, a cab 3, and a drive unit 5 (e.g., an internal combustion engine or an electric motor). The cab 3 and drive unit 5 are housed on the frame 2. The tracked vehicle 1 also includes a pair of tracks 6 and an attachment device 7. The attachment device 7 includes a shovel or pusher 8 supported at the front by the frame 2 and a snowplow assembly 9 supported at the rear by the frame 2. The snowplow assembly 9 includes a snowplow and a trimmer. In addition, the snowplow assembly 9 may include an auxiliary snowplow (not shown in the figure) and a track setting assembly (not shown in the figure) for setting tracks for cross-country skiing.

[0033] In addition, accessory device 7 includes winch assembly 10. Power transmission device 12 ( Figure 3 The power transmission unit 12 is operatively coupled to the drive unit 5, which provides the power required for the operation of the tracked vehicle 1, and to the accessory devices 7. The power transmission unit 12 may be hydraulic, electric, or a combination of both.

[0034] The accessory device 7 can also be referred to as an accessory.

[0035] Furthermore, the tracked vehicle 1 does not necessarily include all of the aforementioned accessory devices 7. For example, the tracked vehicle 1 may include any one or two accessory devices 7 selected from the blade 8, snowplow assembly 9, and winch assembly 10.

[0036] User interface 11 is installed in the cab 3, which allows the operator to control the movement of the tracked vehicle 1 and the operation of the accessory devices 7.

[0037] Specifically, the user interface 11 includes a control device 4, a joystick 13, and a display 30.

[0038] The control device 4 is configured to control the tracked sections 6. More specifically, the control device 4 is coupled to a plurality of tracked sections 6 to control the movement of the tracked vehicle 1.

[0039] The joystick 13 is coupled to the accessory device 7 to control the movement of the accessory device 7.

[0040] Tracked vehicle 1 is equipped with a control system 15.

[0041] The control system 15 detects the operating parameters of the tracked vehicle 1 (such as, but not limited to, the power transmitted by the drive unit 5, the power absorbed by each accessory device 7, the position of the blade 8 and the position of the snowplow assembly 9, the position of the winch assembly 10, and the driving speed of the tracked vehicle 1), and controls the drive unit 5, the track 6 and the accessory devices 7 based on the instructions it receives from the user interface 11.

[0042] The blade 8 can be raised or lowered. Furthermore, the blade 8 can preferably rotate by lateral tilting or tilting motion, which actually creates a height difference between the right and left ends of the blade 8 relative to the plane of the track section 6.

[0043] In addition, the blade 8 can tilt downwards to produce a pitching motion, thereby limiting the angle of attack of the pusher 8, also known as the cutting angle.

[0044] Furthermore, the blade 8 can be positioned vertically or obliquely relative to the direction of movement of the tracked vehicle 1, even if it is tilted or moved to limit yaw rotation.

[0045] The joystick 13 of the user interface 11 is configured to control the blade 8. The joystick 13 is housed in the cab 3 and can control the aforementioned pitch, tilt, and yaw movements of the blade 8.

[0046] The snowplow assembly 9 is connected to the frame 2 of the tracked vehicle 1, enabling it to rotate by arranging the blade 8 perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the direction of movement of the tracked vehicle 1, and to perform lifting, lowering, and lateral translation. Furthermore, the relative angular position of the snowplow assembly 9 with respect to the frame 2 can be determined to define the cutting angle of the snowplow assembly 9.

[0047] The joystick 13 of the user interface 11 is configured to control the snowplow assembly 9 and to control the aforementioned movements of the snowplow assembly 9.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The winch assembly 10 includes a drum 17 with a rope 18 wound on it and an arm 19. The drum 17 rotates about axis A and is driven by a motor, defining the tension in the rope 18. The arm 19 rotates about axis B and is driven by an actuator to define the position of the arm 19, thereby orienting the rope 18.

[0049] The joystick 13 of the user interface 11 is configured to control the tension of the winch assembly 10, particularly the rope 18, and the angular position of the arm 19.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 The user interface 11 includes a display 30 and a device 31 for detecting at least one touch on the display 30 to detect at least one touch by the operator U on the display 30, thereby detecting the selection made by the operator U on the display 30 by means of at least one touch.

[0051] Specifically, according to the detection device 31, the display 30 is a touch screen type or a touch-sensitive type, and the control unit 15 is configured to receive selections made on the display 30 by means of touch.

[0052] The control system 15 is coupled to the user interface 11, particularly the display 30, and is configured to send images to be displayed to the display 30 and receive instructions related to detected touches from the display 30, thereby detecting selections made by the operator U of the tracked vehicle (typically the driver of the tracked vehicle).

[0053] Reference Figure 3 The control unit 11 is configured to display a main screen SM divided into multiple main screen portions PS1-PS8 on the display 30; wherein each of the main screen portions PS1-PS8 is configured to display an image showing one or more data related to the tracked vehicle 1. Furthermore, commands can be set for the tracked vehicle 1 through at least some of the multiple main screen portions PS1-PS8.

[0054] The control unit 11 is configured, in particular by means of the detection device 31, to detect one or more touches on the display 30 that correspond to one or more selections made by the operator U on the display 30 that correspond to one or more types of data that need to be displayed in each part of the display 30, and to display the relevant main screen portions PS1-PS8 in each relevant part of the display 30, wherein the main screen portions PS1-PS8 are configured to display the corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator U.

[0055] In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to display a (preferably schematic) first illustration of the tracked vehicle 1 in a first main screen portion PS1 of a plurality of main screen portions.

[0056] Additionally, the control unit 11 is configured to display a second illustration of the tracked vehicle 1 in a second main screen portion PS2, one of a plurality of main screen portions. Specifically, the first illustration is a top view of the tracked vehicle 1, and the second illustration is a side view of the tracked vehicle 1; preferably, the first and second illustrations are schematic.

[0057] In particular, each illustration of the tracked vehicle 1 shows the attachment 7 that the tracked vehicle 1 has at this time. For example, in the first and / or second illustrations, when the tracked vehicle 1 is equipped with an attachment 7 including a pusher 8, the pusher is also schematically shown in the first and / or second illustrations.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 11 is configured to display, in the third main screen portion PS3 among multiple main screen portions, data related to the driving speed of the tracked vehicle and / or data related to the engine speed of the tracked vehicle and / or data related to the control lights of the drive unit 5 and / or data related to the total working hours of the tracked vehicle's service life and / or data related to the total distance traveled during the service life of the tracked vehicle and / or data related to the fluid temperature (e.g., the temperature of the fluid in the drive unit 5) that affects the operation of the tracked vehicle and / or data related to the remaining power levels of the drive unit(s) in the energy harvesting system (e.g., the remaining fuel level in the tank when the drive unit 5 is an internal combustion engine, or the remaining electrical energy level in the battery when the drive unit 5 is an electric motor, or the fuel level and electrical energy level when the drive unit 5 is a hybrid system including both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor).

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 11 is configured to display data related to the tilt of the tracked vehicle 1 relative to the longitudinal axis, particularly the roll angle of the tracked vehicle 1 about the roll axis, in the fourth main screen portion PS4 among the multiple main screen portions; and / or data related to the tilt of the tracked vehicle 1 relative to the lateral axis, particularly the pitch angle about the pitch axis.

[0060] In addition, the tracked vehicle 1 includes a tracking device 40 configured to create the position of the tracked vehicle 1, in particular a GPS receiver, etc., which preferably includes a memory having multiple maps, in particular a map of the ski resort for tracking the position of the tracked vehicle 1 in one of the ski resorts.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 15 is configured to display a navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1 on the fifth main screen portion PS5 among multiple main screen portions. Preferably, the control unit 15 is configured to display the routes already traveled by the tracked vehicle 1 on the navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the control unit 15 is configured to connect to a remote fleet management system and display other tracked vehicles 1 present in the ski resort on the map, preferably displaying the routes already traveled by other tracked vehicles in the ski resort.

[0062] Furthermore, the tracked vehicle 1 includes at least one camera 50 fixed to the rear of the tracked vehicle 1. Preferably, the camera 50 is fixed at a point along a straight line parallel to axis D, and is located relative to the direction of travel at the same position as or behind the drive wheels and / or winch 10 of the tracked vehicle 1. In an alternative embodiment, the camera 50 is fixed above the snowplow 9. In all embodiments, the camera 50 faces the rear of the tracked vehicle 1, and is specifically configured to frame the snow accumulation beyond the snowplow 9 and / or track 6.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 11 is configured to display an image captured by the camera 50 in the sixth main screen section of a plurality of main screen sections, the image preferably framing the rear of the tracked vehicle 1, particularly a portion of the snow that has been cleared.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The control unit 15 is configured to display a thermostat for setting the temperature inside the cab of the tracked vehicle 1 in the fifth section PS5 or the sixth section PS6 of the main screen, instead of displaying a map or camera image 50 respectively.

[0065] In addition, the control unit 15 is configured to display frequency tuning for the car radio in the fifth section PS5 or the sixth section PS6 of the main screen, instead of displaying map or camera image 50 respectively.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit 15 is configured to detect the selection of content displayed in the main screen portion, particularly the fifth screen portion PS5 and / or the sixth screen portion PS6, by means of the operator U's touch on the display 30. The control unit 15 is configured to detect, according to the operator U, whether to display the thermostat, the map, the frequency tuner, or the camera image.

[0067] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, annex 7 includes at least a winch 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 is configured to display winch-related values ​​in the seventh part of the main screen, PS7, preferably one or more of the following values: the length of the loose cable, the absolute value of the tension, or the percentage of the total possible tension.

[0068] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, annex 7 includes at least a snowplow 9, and control unit 15 is configured to display an illustration of the snowplow 9 in the eighth part of the main screen PS8, preferably an illustration of any track setting device connected thereto, and preferably displaying numerical values ​​related to the snowplow 9 next to the illustration of the snowplow 9, preferably one or more of the following values: shaft speed, shaft rotation direction, tilt angle of the snowplow 9 relative to the snow accumulation, and percentage of snow recirculated in the processing chamber of the snowplow 9.

[0069] In addition, refer to Figure 5The control unit 15 is configured to operate in a further display mode, wherein it is configured to display images captured by the camera 50 in the first portion PS1, the second portion PS2, the fifth portion PS5, and the sixth portion PS6 of the main screen SM on the display 30, particularly showing different portions of the entire image in each portion, thus displaying the entire image in the aforementioned different portions. Preferably, the image relates to a frame captured by the camera 50 facing the rear of the tracked vehicle 1, particularly framing a portion of the treated snow. Furthermore, preferably, the control unit 15 is configured to display images captured by the camera 50 and superimposed on a portion thereof in the first portion PS1, the second portion PS2, the fifth portion PS5, and the sixth portion PS6 of the main screen SM, a miniature portion of the navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1, preferably highlighting the path already traveled by the tracked vehicle 1 on the navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1.

[0070] Furthermore, in this display mode, the control unit 15 is configured to display the selection made by the operator U in the seventh part of the main screen SM on the PS7. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The data shown is from the winch 10 or a portion of an image captured by the camera 50, and the data from the winch 10 is transparently displayed overlaid on the image.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 The control unit 15 is configured to operate in a further display mode, wherein it is configured to display a navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1 in the first part PS1, the second part PS2, the fifth part PS5 and the sixth part PS6 of the main screen SM on the display 30. Preferably, the navigation map of the tracked vehicle 1 highlights the path that the tracked vehicle 1 has traveled, and preferably, displays an image taken by the camera 50 in a smaller miniature portion, which preferably frames the rear of the tracked vehicle 1, especially a portion of the snow that has been cleared.

[0072] Furthermore, in this display mode, the control unit 15 is configured to display the selection made by the operator U in the seventh section of the PS7 main screen. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The data from the winch or a portion of the map shown is transparently displayed overlaid on that portion of the map.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 15 is configured to store different configurations of the display 30 selected by different operators U, particularly different configurations of the main screen SM, and associate these configurations with corresponding operator codes, and is configured to invoke and display one of the stored configurations on the display 30 when an operator code associated with one of the stored configurations is entered.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 15 is configured to receive signals from attachments 7 connected to the tracked vehicle 1, and is configured to display only attachments 7 currently connected to the tracked vehicle 1 in the illustration of the tracked vehicle, preferably one or more of a pusher, snowplow, track setting device, and winch. Therefore, if the tracked vehicle 1 does not have a winch 10 as attachment 7, the control unit 15 will not display data from the winch 10 in the seventh section PS7 of the main screen, and this section of the screen will not display any information or information selected by the operator; alternatively, the control unit 15 will display data in the second section PS2 of the main screen SM and the seventh section PS7 of the main screen. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The information shown in the second part of the main screen SM, PS2. Similarly, in the case that Attachment 7 does not include the snowplow 9, the control unit 15 is configured not to display any information in the eighth part of the main screen, PS8, or to display other information selected by the user U.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The control unit 15 is configured to display an illustration of the tension of the track section 6 of the tracked vehicle 1 in the illustration of the tracked vehicle 1, particularly by means of an arrow located below the illustration of the track section 6 of the tracked vehicle 1 and indicating the direction associated with the tension of the track section 6. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustrations in Annex 7 include illustrations of the current positions of Annex 7, particularly the raised or lowered position of the snowplow 9 and / or the position of the arm 19 of the winch 10, such as the front or rear position.

[0076] Furthermore, the pusher 8 of the tracked vehicle 1 includes a central blade and two side blades, the two side blades being coupled to the central blade and configured to change their position relative to the central blade. The control unit 15 is configured to receive signals from the pusher 8, and the pusher assembly 8 with the central blade and side blades and the current position of the side blades are shown in the illustration of the tracked vehicle 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the snowplow 9 of the tracked vehicle 1 includes two side wings (flaps) configured to change their position relative to the central body of the snowplow 9, and particularly relative to the axis of rotation of the snowplow 9. The control unit 15 is configured to display the current position of the side wings of the snowplow 9 in the illustration of the tracked vehicle 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 15 is configured to operate in an alternative display mode, wherein the display of any one or more of the aforementioned images can be extended onto two or more main screen portions, and any one or more of the aforementioned other images can be transparently overlaid on any one or more images extended onto the two or more screen portions.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 15 is configured to operate in a further alternative display mode, wherein it is configured to display a secondary screen on the display 30 as an alternative to the main screen and to indicate the internal operating parameters of the tracked vehicle 1. In particular, the internal operating parameters are configuration parameters of any device of the tracked vehicle 1, such as the activation of one of a plurality of lighting devices arranged along the tracked vehicle 1 for illuminating the surrounding working environment, or, for example, the internal configuration parameters of the drive unit 5 and / or snowplow 9 and / or winch 10 and / or track section 6 and / or hydraulic system (e.g., hydraulic system 10 for supplying the track section 6 and / or winch 10 and / or pusher 8 and / or snowplow 9). Figure 7 An example of such a secondary screen is shown, in which the main screen is temporarily replaced by the secondary screen after the operator U makes a selection. The secondary screen displays graphics of multiple devices used to illuminate the surrounding environment and also allows for configuration graphics of multiple lighting devices.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 15 is configured to display the main screen SM while the tracked vehicle 1 is in motion, and to display a secondary screen after the operator U makes a selection, preferably when the tracked vehicle 1 is stationary. Furthermore, some of the secondary screens of the tracked vehicle 1, and consequently some parameters, can only be displayed by an authorized operator such as a maintenance technician, and can only be accessed via maintenance codes.

[0081] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The main screen SM displayed on the display 30 by the control unit 15 includes a plurality of additional screen portions QP1-QP13, which are preferably arranged along at least one outer edge 60 of the main screen SM, and preferably along three outer edges 60 of the main screen SM.

[0082] The control unit 15 is configured to couple each of the additional screen sections QP1-QP13 to a corresponding set of sub-screens. These sub-screens display additional parameters of the tracked vehicle 1, wherein at least one of these additional parameters is not displayed on the main screen SM.

[0083] Reference Figures 3 to 6The control unit 15 is configured to display one or more of the following additional screens: a first screen portion QP1 indicating a symbol for a winch; a second screen portion QP2 indicating a symbol for a tracked vehicle, preferably a snow groomer; a third screen portion QP3 indicating a symbol for a pusher; a fourth screen portion QP4 indicating a symbol for a cab; a fifth screen portion QP5 indicating a symbol for the axle of a snowplow; a sixth screen portion QP6 indicating a symbol for a snowplow; and a seventh screen portion QP5 indicating a symbol for a light. Screen portion QP7; another eighth screen portion QP8 showing symbols for fans and temperature readings; another ninth screen portion QP9 showing symbols for radio tuning and radio station names; another tenth screen portion QP10 showing general symbols (preferably, but not limited to, parallel lines); another eleventh screen portion QP11 showing symbols for people and operator names; another twelfth screen portion QP12 showing symbols for clocks and dates; and another thirteenth screen portion QP13 showing symbols for external temperature and indicating data communication signal reception values.

[0084] The control unit 15 is configured to display a sub-screen associated with the corresponding additional screen portion QP1-QP13 on the display 30 when it detects a touch of the operator U in an area occupied by one of the additional screen portions QP1-QP13.

[0085] For example, Figure 7 The illustration shows a sub-screen associated with the additional seventh screen portion QP7. In use, when operator U touches display 30 in the area occupied by the additional seventh screen portion QP7, control unit 15 preferably detects the touch by detection device 31 and displays the sub-screen associated with the additional seventh screen portion QP7. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates and relates to the configuration of lights used to illuminate the external environment.

[0086] More specifically, a secondary screen accessible via additional screen sections QP1-QP13 displays parameters of the tracked vehicle 1 and allows setting of parameters of the tracked vehicle 1, wherein at least some of the parameters on the secondary screen are not displayed or cannot be set in the main screen SM.

[0087] More specifically, the additional first screen portion QP1, which represents the schematic symbol of the winch 10, is associated with a sub-screen that shows a plurality of additional parameters of the winch 10 for configuration and testing, wherein at least some of these parameters are not displayed in the main screen SM or cannot be configured.

[0088] A second screen portion QP2, representing the schematic symbol of the tracked vehicle 1, preferably a snow groomer, is associated with one or more sub-screens. A first sub-screen displays parameters related to the tension of the track section 6 and allows setting these tension-related parameters. More specifically, the tracked vehicle 1 includes a tensioning device configured to adjust the tension of the track section 6, coupled to a control unit 15 and adjustable via the first sub-screen. A second sub-screen displays parameters related to the sensitivity of driving commands, such as the sensitivity of the tracked vehicle's driving pedals, the sensitivity of control levers coupled to the track section, the sensitivity of the automatic braking system, and the sensitivity of the suspension control, and allows setting these parameters. A third sub-screen displays parameters of the drive unit 5, such as engine speed and the operating mode of the drive unit's air filter, and allows setting these parameters.

[0089] The additional third screen portion QP3, which represents the schematic symbol of the pusher 8, is associated with a sub-screen that shows several additional parameters of the pusher 8 for configuration and detection, at least some of which are not displayed or cannot be configured in the main screen SM.

[0090] The additional fourth screen portion QP4, which represents the tracked vehicle, is associated with a sub-screen that displays several additional parameters of the cab for configuration and testing, at least some of which are not displayed or cannot be configured in the main screen SM.

[0091] The additional fifth screen portion QP5, which represents the schematic symbol of the snowplow 9, is associated with a sub-screen that shows several additional parameters for configuring and detecting the snowplow 9, at least some of which are not displayed or cannot be configured in the main screen SM.

[0092] The additional sixth screen section QP6, which represents the symbol for the snowplow 9, is associated with a sub-screen that displays several additional parameters related to the functions of forming a ski resort. In particular, it is used to set some or all of the parameters displayed in the fourth main screen section PS4, and to set other parameters related to the functions of the ski resort that are not displayed in the fourth main screen section PS4.

[0093] An additional eighth screen portion QP8, which displays the fan symbol and temperature readings, is associated with a sub-screen that shows several additional parameters for configuring and detecting the fan and / or temperature, at least some of which are not displayed in the main screen SM or cannot be configured.

[0094] An additional ninth screen portion QP9, which displays the radio tuning symbol and the radio station name, is associated with a sub-screen that shows several additional parameters for configuring and detecting the radio station, at least some of which are not displayed in the main screen SM or cannot be configured.

[0095] An additional tenth screen portion QP10, displaying general symbols (preferably but not limited to parallel lines), is associated with a secondary screen that in turn shows multiple additional secondary screens selectable via a touch display, and at least some of these cannot be selected directly from the main screen.

[0096] The additional eleventh screen section QP11, which schematically represents the symbol of a person and the name of the operator U, is associated with a sub-screen that allows the input of an operator code to invoke the main screen SM and / or the configuration of a sub-screen associated with the operator's file.

[0097] The additional twelfth screen section QP12, which schematically shows the clock and date, is associated with a sub-screen where the time and date can be set.

[0098] The additional thirteenth screen section QP13, which displays the external temperature and the symbols indicating the received data communication signal value, is associated with a sub-screen that includes more data related to the external temperature and data communication reception.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the display 30 is not a touchscreen type, and the detection device 31 is omitted and replaced by a selector, which may be a knob, a wheel, a joystick, or a combination of the above devices, to detect the selection made by the operator.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment provided by way of example without loss of generality, the control unit 15 is divided into a main control unit dedicated to the control of the tracked vehicle 1 and the accessory devices, and a secondary control unit dedicated to the control of the display 30 and associated with the main control unit for sending and receiving data.

Claims

1. A tracked vehicle (1), comprising: Multiple track sections (6); At least one accessory (7) is selected from a combination including a pusher (8), a snowplow assembly (9), and a winch assembly (10); The user interface (11) includes a display (30) and a selector device (31) for receiving instructions from the operator (U); as well as A control unit (15), coupled to the user interface (11), is configured to send an image to be displayed to the display (30) and receive instructions related to detected touches from the display (30). The control unit (15) is configured to display a main screen (SM) divided into multiple main screen sections (PS1, ..., PS8) on the display (30), wherein the multiple main screen sections are displayed together on the main screen and each is displayed in a different position on the main screen, wherein each main screen section (PS1, ..., PS8) is configured to display an image representing one or more pieces of data related to the tracked vehicle (1). The control unit (15) is configured to detect one or more selections made by the operator that correspond to one or more types of data to be displayed in each section of the display (30) and to display a main screen section (PS1, ..., PS8) in each section of the display (30), wherein each main screen section (PS1, ..., PS8) is configured to display a corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator (U) for that section of the display (30). The control unit (15) is configured to display a first illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) in a first main screen portion (PS1) of the plurality of main screen portions; and the illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) includes an illustration of the accessory (7) currently connected to the tracked vehicle (1). The control unit (15) is configured to display a second illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) in a second main screen portion (PS2) of the plurality of main screen portions; wherein the first illustration is a top view of the tracked vehicle (1) and the second illustration is a side view of the tracked vehicle (1). The control unit (15) is configured to display data related to the driving speed of the tracked vehicle (1) and data related to the engine speed of the tracked vehicle (1) in a third main screen portion (PS3) of the plurality of main screen portions.

2. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the tracked vehicle is a snow groomer for preparing a ski slope, the selector device is a detection device for detecting touches by an operator (U) on the display (30), the control unit (15) is coupled to the display (30), the one or more selections are made by the operator on the display (30) by means of touch, and the accessory (7) currently connected to the tracked vehicle (1) is one or more of the pusher (8), the snowplow (9), the track setting device and the winch (10).

3. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The first illustration is schematic; the illustration of the attachment (7) includes an illustration of the current position of the attachment (7) and / or the position of the arm (19) of the winch (10).

4. The tracked vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The current position of the attachment (7) is the raised or lowered position of the snowplow (9), and the position of the arm (19) of the winch (10) is the front or rear position.

5. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The second illustration is schematic; wherein the snowplow (9) of the tracked vehicle (1) includes two side wings configured to change their position relative to the snowplow (9), and the illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) includes an illustration of the position of the side wings of the snowplow (9); wherein the pusher (8) of the tracked vehicle (1) includes a central blade and two side blades coupled to the central blade and configured to change their position relative to the central blade, and the illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) includes an illustration of the position of the side blades.

6. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to display, in a fourth main screen portion (PS4) of the plurality of main screen portions, data relating to the tilt of the tracked vehicle (1) relative to the roll axis and / or data relating to the tilt of the tracked vehicle relative to the pitch axis.

7. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a tracking device (40) coupled to the control unit (15) to transmit the position of the tracked vehicle (1), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to display a navigation map of the tracked vehicle (1) in a fifth main screen portion (PS5) of a plurality of main screen portions.

8. The tracked vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The navigation map of the tracked vehicle highlights the path that the tracked vehicle (1) has traveled.

9. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The tracked vehicle (1) includes at least one camera (50) facing the rear of the tracked vehicle (1) and framing a portion of the ground over which the tracked vehicle (1) passes; the control unit (15) is configured to display images captured by the camera (50) in a sixth main screen portion (PS6) of the plurality of main screen portions.

10. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The tracked vehicle (1) includes at least one camera (50) facing the rear of the tracked vehicle (1) and framing a portion of the ground traversed by the tracked vehicle (1); the control unit (15) is configured to display a further display mode on the display (30), wherein a first main screen portion (PS1), a second main screen portion (PS2), a fifth main screen portion (PS5), and a sixth main screen portion (PS6) display images captured by the camera (50), and a miniature portion of the navigation map of the tracked vehicle (1) highlights the path already traveled by the tracked vehicle; The tracked vehicle includes a tracking device (40) coupled to the control unit (15) to transmit the position of the tracked vehicle (1).

11. The tracked vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The navigation map of the tracked vehicle (1) highlights the path that the tracked vehicle has traveled.

12. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The tracked vehicle includes a tracking device (40) coupled to the control unit (15) to transmit the position of the tracked vehicle (1); the control unit (15) is configured to operate in a further display mode in which a first main screen portion, a second main screen portion, a fifth main screen portion, and a sixth main screen portion display a navigation map of the tracked vehicle (1), the navigation map of the tracked vehicle highlighting the path already traveled by the tracked vehicle, and displaying images taken by a camera in a smaller miniature portion, the camera framing the rear of the tracked vehicle (1).

13. The tracked vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The camera frames a portion of the already processed snow.

14. The tracked vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The tracked vehicle (1) includes at least one camera (50) facing the rear of the tracked vehicle (1) and framing a portion of the ground over which the tracked vehicle (1) passes.

15. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to display a thermostat in the fifth main screen section (100) to display and set the temperature inside the cab of the tracked vehicle (1), and / or the control unit (15) is configured to display frequency tuning for the car radio in the sixth main screen section.

16. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to display values ​​related to the winch (10) in the seventh main screen section (PS7).

17. The tracked vehicle according to claim 16, wherein, The values ​​associated with the winch (10) are one or more of the following: the length of the loose cable, the absolute value of the tension, or the percentage of the total possible tension.

18. The tracked vehicle according to claim 16, wherein, In the alternative display mode, the value of the winch (10) can be displayed transparently and superimposed on other data.

19. The tracked vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, In the alternative display mode, the values ​​of the winch (10) can be displayed transparently and superimposed on other data on a portion of the map or on a portion of the image of the rear camera (50) of the tracked vehicle (1).

20. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to display an illustration of the snowplow (9) and an illustration of any track setting device connected thereto in the eighth main screen section (PS8), and to display numerical values ​​related to the snowplow next to the illustration of the snowplow.

21. The tracked vehicle according to claim 20, wherein, The values ​​associated with the snowplow are one or more of the following: shaft speed, shaft rotation direction, tilt angle of the snowplow relative to the snow accumulation, and percentage of snow recirculated within the snowplow.

22. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to store multiple operator profiles associated with different main screen configurations, and is configured to invoke and display one of the stored configurations on the display (30) upon receiving an operator code associated with one of the stored configurations; the operator code is input by means of the selector device (31).

23. The tracked vehicle according to claim 22, wherein, The multiple operator profiles are associated with different main screen sections to be displayed.

24. The tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to operate in an alternative display mode, wherein any one or more of the images can be extended onto two or more main screen portions, and any one or more other images can be displayed as transparent overlays on any one or more of the images extended onto the two or more main screen portions.

25. The tracked vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (15) is configured to display a main screen (SM) on the display (30) comprising a plurality of additional screen portions (QP1, ..., QP13), the plurality of additional screen portions being arranged along at least one outer edge (60) of the main screen (SM); the control unit (15) is configured to couple each of the plurality of additional screen portions (QP1, ..., QP13) to a corresponding plurality of sub-screens; the plurality of sub-screens displaying a plurality of additional parameters of the tracked vehicle (1), wherein at least some of the plurality of additional parameters are not displayed on the main screen; the control unit (15) is configured to display one or more of the following plurality of additional screens: a further first screen portion (QP1) indicating a schematic symbol of the winch; a further second screen portion (QP2) indicating a schematic symbol of the tracked vehicle; a further third screen portion (QP3) indicating a schematic symbol of the pusher; a further fourth screen portion (QP4) indicating a schematic symbol of the cab; a further fourth screen portion (QP5) indicating a schematic symbol of the axle of the snowplow. The fifth additional screen section (QP5); the sixth additional screen section (QP6) showing the schematic symbol of the snowplow; the seventh additional screen section (QP7) showing the symbol of the lamp; the eighth additional screen section (QP8) showing the symbol of the fan and temperature; the ninth additional screen section (QP9) showing the symbol of radio tuning and the name of the radio station; the tenth additional screen section (QP10) showing the general symbol; and the eleventh additional screen section (QP11) schematically showing the symbol of a person and the name of the operator; An additional twelfth screen portion (QP12) indicates the clock and date; an additional thirteenth screen portion (QP13) indicates the external temperature and a symbol indicating the value of the received data communication signal, and wherein the control unit (15) is configured to display on the display (30) a corresponding sub-screen associated with the corresponding additional screen portion (QP1, ..., QP13) when it detects a selection made by the operator (U) in an area occupied by one of the additional screen portions (QP1, ..., QP13).

26. The tracked vehicle according to claim 25, wherein, The tracked vehicle is a snow groomer, and the general symbol includes parallel lines.

27. A method for displaying information and / or setting instructions in a tracked vehicle, performed by means of a display in the tracked vehicle; the tracked vehicle (1) comprising: Multiple track sections (6); at least one attachment (7) selected from a combination including a pusher (8), a snowplow assembly (9), and a winch assembly (10); and the display, the method comprising the following steps: A main screen (SM) divided into multiple main screen sections (PS1, ..., PS8) is displayed on the display (30), wherein the multiple main screen sections are displayed together on the main screen and each is displayed in a different position on the main screen; wherein each of the main screen sections (PS1, ..., PS8) is configured to display an image showing one or more data related to the tracked vehicle (1); The detection is performed by an operator on the display (30) and by one or more selections corresponding to one or more types of data that need to be displayed in each part of the display (30); A main screen portion (PS1, ..., PS8) is displayed in each portion of the display (30), wherein each main screen portion (PS1, ..., PS8) is configured to display a corresponding image related to the data selected by the operator (U) for the portion of the display (30); A first illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) is displayed in a first main screen portion (PS1) of the plurality of main screen portions; and wherein the illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) includes an illustration of the attachment (7) currently connected to the tracked vehicle (1); A second illustration of the tracked vehicle (1) is displayed in a second main screen portion (PS2) of the plurality of main screen portions; wherein the first illustration is a top view of the tracked vehicle (1) and the second illustration is a side view of the tracked vehicle (1); Data related to the driving speed of the tracked vehicle (1) and data related to the engine speed of the tracked vehicle (1) are displayed in a third main screen portion (PS3) of the multiple main screen portions.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The one or more selections are made by the operator on the display (30) by means of touch.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The tracked vehicle is a snow groomer, and the accessory (7) currently connected to the tracked vehicle (1) is one or more of the pusher (8), the snowplow (9), the track setting device, and the winch (10).

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The tracked vehicle is a snow groomer used to prepare the ski slope.

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