An intelligent lighting device for excavator and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an intelligent lighting device for excavators and a control method thereof, comprising the steps of: a position acquisition mechanism acquires a real-time position signal of an operator; a microprocessor determines the distance between the operator and the excavator, and when the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting lamp and the distance gradually decreases, a light operation request instruction is sent to the excavator ECU, and the excavator ECU controls the lighting lamps of the corresponding range to light up; when the excavator ECU receives a signal of the excavator ignition start, each lighting lamp flashes alternately for warning; when the excavator ECU receives a signal of the excavator stopping and extinguishing the flame, and the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting lamp and the distance gradually increases, a light operation request instruction is sent to the excavator ECU, so that the excavator ECU controls the lighting lamp to light up for a period of time and then turns off. The present invention can improve the safety of the excavator operator in the process of finding, entering, leaving and operating the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of excavators, and in particular relates to an intelligent lighting device for an excavator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Excavators are widely used in municipal roads, engineering construction, mining, river construction and other scenarios due to their ingenious structural design and flexible construction methods. Due to the wide range of application scenarios, excavators often work in very harsh conditions with poor lighting, such as night operations near mines where gravel is everywhere, operations in dimly lit tunnels, night operations near rivers, etc. In this case, there are certain inconveniences and even dangers in the process of excavator operators looking for excavators, entering excavators, operating excavators and leaving excavators. At this time, the lighting of the excavator is particularly important.

[0003] At present, in the field of excavators, there is no intelligent lighting control method and equipment that can solve the above problems at the same time. The existing method is that the operator carries the lighting equipment to find and enter the excavator, and then manually turns on the lights in the car. This method makes it inconvenient for the operator to enter and leave the excavator, and cannot effectively save the operator's time. In addition, because the lighting equipment carried by the operator is sometimes not bright enough, it cannot effectively protect the operator's safety. The existing patent is an excavator lighting device and excavator (Announcement No.: CN212869535U), which connects the lighting lamp to the excavator ECU, and realizes remote control of the lighting lamp by the portable terminal through the T-BOX connected to the ECU. When the driver leaves the excavator at night, the lighting lamp is turned on through the portable terminal, and the lighting lamp is remotely turned off after leaving the construction site, ensuring the safety of the driver. However, the patent only adopts a simple delayed lighting function, and cannot fully intelligently illuminate the process of the operator finding the car, entering the car, and leaving the excavator, and its lighting lamp has a single function. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and to provide an intelligent lighting device for an excavator and a control method thereof, which can improve the safety of the excavator operator when searching for, entering, leaving, and operating the excavator.

[0005] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] An intelligent lighting device for an excavator, comprising a lighting mechanism, a position acquisition mechanism and a control mechanism;

[0007] The lighting mechanism includes a plurality of lighting lamps with different ranges arranged on the top of the excavator cab;

[0008] The position acquisition mechanism is capable of acquiring the real-time position signal of the operator;

[0009] The control mechanism comprises a connected microprocessor and an excavator ECU, wherein the microprocessor is connected to a position acquisition mechanism, and the excavator ECU is connected to a lighting lamp.

[0010] A control method for the intelligent lighting device of an excavator comprises the following steps:

[0011] The position collection mechanism collects the real-time position signal of the operator;

[0012] The microprocessor determines the distance between the operator and the excavator based on the operator's real-time position signal. When it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting and the distance is gradually decreasing, a light operation request instruction is sent to the excavator ECU, so that the excavator ECU controls the lighting within the corresponding range to light up.

[0013] When the excavator ECU receives the excavator ignition start signal, the lights flash alternately to warn;

[0014] When the excavator ECU receives the signal that the excavator has stopped and turned off the engine, the microprocessor again determines the distance between the operator and the excavator based on the operator's real-time position signal. When it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting and the distance gradually increases, a light operation request instruction is sent to the excavator ECU, causing the excavator ECU to control the lighting to turn off after a period of time.

[0015] Furthermore, the position acquisition mechanism includes a GPS transmitting device located at the operator and a GPS receiving device installed on the excavator, wherein the GPS receiving device is connected to a microprocessor; and the GPS receiving device receives a real-time position signal sent by the GPS transmitting device.

[0016] Furthermore, the microprocessor calculates the distance and angle between the operator and the excavator based on the operator's position signal, and when it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting, it sends a light operation request instruction and the distance and angle between the operator and the excavator to the excavator ECU.

[0017] Furthermore, the lighting lamp is mounted on a rotating lamp holder, and the rotating lamp holder is mounted on the top of the excavator cab through a support rod, and the support rod and the rotating lamp holder are respectively connected to the excavator ECU.

[0018] Furthermore, the lighting lamp includes a red lighting lamp and a yellow lighting lamp, the range of the red lighting lamp is S1, the range of the yellow lighting lamp is S2, S1>S2; the support rod is a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered, and can rise to heights H1 and H2, H1>H2.

[0019] Furthermore, when the distance S between the operator and the excavator gradually decreases and S2<S≤S1, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to rise to the height H1 and controls the red lighting to light up;

[0020] When S≤S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to drop to the height of H2, controls the red light to go out, and the yellow light to light up.

[0021] Furthermore, when the distance S between the operator and the excavator gradually increases and S≤S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to rise to the height H2 and controls the yellow lighting to light up;

[0022] When S>S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to drop to the height of the cab and turns off all lights.

[0023] Furthermore, when the operator enters the excavator and starts the ignition, the excavator ECU detects that the safety handle is open, and then controls the support rod to drop to the height of the cab, controls the rotating lamp holder to rotate periodically, and controls the red and yellow lights to flash alternately as a warning.

[0024] Furthermore, when each lighting lamp is turned off, the device enters a low-power standby state, and the power supply for the standby state is provided by the vehicle-mounted battery.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) The present invention collects the real-time position signal of the operator through the position acquisition mechanism, and calculates the distance between the operator and the excavator according to the position signal of the operator through the microprocessor. After the distance is segmented, within different distance ranges, the excavator ECU controls the lighting lamps within the corresponding range to light up for illumination. It is intelligent, real-time, and highly safe, providing the greatest convenience for the operator.

[0027] (2) In the present invention, when the excavator ECU receives the excavator ignition start signal, it controls the rotating lamp holder to rotate, and each lighting lamp flashes alternately to warn, so that one lamp can be used for multiple purposes and the lighting utilization rate is improved;

[0028] (3) The present invention adopts automatic control and does not require manual control by the operator, which greatly improves the operator's user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an intelligent lighting device for an excavator;

[0030] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a control method of an intelligent lighting device for an excavator;

[0031] The markings in the figure are: 1. support rod; 2. rotating lamp holder; 3. lighting lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inside" and "outside" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and do not require that the present invention must be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an intelligent lighting device for an excavator, including a lighting mechanism, a position acquisition mechanism and a control mechanism; the lighting mechanism includes a plurality of lighting lamps 3 with different ranges arranged on the top of the excavator cab; the position acquisition mechanism can collect the real-time position signal of the operator; the control mechanism includes a connected microprocessor and an excavator ECU, the microprocessor is connected to the position acquisition mechanism, and the excavator ECU is connected to the lighting lamp.

[0036] The lighting lamp 3 is installed on the rotating lamp holder 2, and the rotating lamp holder 2 is installed on the top of the excavator cab through the support rod 1. The support rod 1 and the rotating lamp holder 2 are respectively connected to the excavator ECU. Among them, the lighting lamp 3 is an LED lamp, including a red lighting lamp and a yellow lighting lamp. The range of the red lighting lamp is S1, and the range of the yellow lighting lamp is S2, S1>S2. The support rod 1 is a rod of fixed length or a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered. The interior is hollow and used to store wires; when the support rod 1 is a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered, it can rise to heights H1 and H2, H1>H2.

[0037] The position acquisition mechanism includes a GPS transmitter located at the operator and a GPS receiver installed on the excavator. The GPS receiver receives the real-time position signal sent by the GPS transmitter. The GPS receiver is connected to a microprocessor, which is arranged inside the GPS receiver and can calculate the distance between the operator and the excavator according to the operator's position signal. The GPS receiver is installed at a fixed angle on the excavator, and the microprocessor can also calculate the angle α between the receiver and the transmitter, which is the angle between the excavator and the operator.

[0038] The microprocessor is connected to the excavator main controller ECU and sends the received information and command requests to the excavator ECU in real time through the CAN bus.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for an intelligent lighting device for an excavator, comprising the following steps:

[0041] Step 1: The position acquisition mechanism acquires the real-time position signal of the operator. Specifically, when the operator carries a GPS transmitting device and approaches the excavator, the GPS receiving device starts to receive the real-time signal sent by the GPS transmitting device.

[0042] Step 2: The microprocessor calculates and determines the distance S and angle α between the operator and the excavator in real time. When the judgment result is S2<S≤S1 and S gradually decreases, it means that the operator is moving towards the excavator. At this time, the microprocessor sends a light operation request instruction and the distance and angle between the operator and the excavator to the excavator ECU.

[0043] Step 3: The excavator ECU starts to control the support rod 1, the rotating lamp holder 2 and the lighting lamp 3 to work. First, the support rod 1 is controlled to rise to a position where its top is two meters away from the top of the cab (H1 height), and the rotating lamp holder 2 rotates to the direction of the operator (the angle changes in real time with the operator's direction), and the red lighting lamp with an effective range of S1 lights up. Red light itself has strong penetrating power, so that even at night or in foggy days when the light conditions are poor, the operator can quickly find the position of the excavator, which plays a strong guiding role.

[0044] Step 4. When the distance S≤S2 between the operator and the excavator, it means that the operator is already relatively close to the excavator. At this time, the lighting conditions around the excavator become very important. Therefore, the microprocessor sends an action command request to the excavator ECU. The excavator ECU controls the support rod 1 to drop to a height of 1 meter (H2 height) from the top of the cab. At the same time, the red light is switched to a yellow light (the yellow light has a wider lighting range and the effective lighting distance is S2). The lighting angle is also in the direction of the operator. The support rod drops 1 meter and switches to a yellow light to make the lighting between the excavator and the operator clearer. Clearer lighting conditions enable the operator to carefully observe the road conditions and make the best route selection.

[0045] Step 5. When the operator enters the excavator and ignites the engine to start normal operation, the excavator's working lighting is switched to headlights. However, due to the high risk of the excavator's work, a warning function is required during the excavator's operation to remind non-staff to keep a safe distance to avoid danger. To solve the above problem, most excavators are currently equipped with warning lights. The function of the warning lights is to warn people around to pay attention to safety by flashing lights of different colors. In this embodiment, when the excavator is started, the excavator ECU detects that the safety handle is open, controls the support rod to drop to the height of the cab, controls the red and yellow lights to flash alternately, and controls the rotating lamp holder to rotate at a fixed period; when it detects that the safety handle is closed, turns off the lights and stops rotating. As a result, when the excavator is working normally, the present invention can realize the function of the warning light.

[0046] Step 6: When the operator finishes work, stops the engine and leaves the excavator, the GPS receiving device also receives the location information sent by the GPS sending device, and the microprocessor determines the distance S and angle α between the operator and the excavator in real time. When S≤S2 and S gradually increases, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to rise to a height of 1 meter and turns on the yellow lighting to provide lighting for the operator, ensuring the operator's safety when leaving the excavator.

[0047] Step 7. When the distance S between the operator and the excavator is greater than S2, the microprocessor determines whether the operator is walking away from the excavator or close to the excavator. When the operator is determined to be walking away from the excavator, the support rod drops to the lowest height, the light goes out, and the system enters a low-power standby state. The power supply for the standby state is provided by the on-board battery. When the excavator is started again, the engine charges the battery.

[0048] In some non-essential scenarios, the GPS sending device in this embodiment can be turned off to save energy.

[0049] The present invention adopts the GPS system as the position acquisition mechanism, and can also be replaced by other remote sensing systems. The present invention can be applied not only to the field of excavators, but also to other engineering machinery fields.

[0050] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an intelligent lighting device for an excavator, characterized in that: The excavator intelligent lighting device comprises a lighting mechanism, a position acquisition mechanism and a control mechanism; the lighting mechanism comprises a plurality of lighting lamps with different ranges arranged on the top of the excavator cab; the position acquisition mechanism can collect the real-time position signal of the operator; the control mechanism comprises a connected microprocessor and an excavator ECU, the microprocessor is connected to the position acquisition mechanism, and the excavator ECU is connected to the lighting lamp; The lighting lamp is installed on a rotating lamp holder, and the rotating lamp holder is installed on the top of the excavator cab through a support rod, and the support rod and the rotating lamp holder are respectively connected to the excavator ECU; the lighting lamp includes a red lighting lamp and a yellow lighting lamp, the range of the red lighting lamp is S1, and the range of the yellow lighting lamp is S2, S1>S2; the support rod is a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered, and can rise to heights H1 and H2, H1>H2; The method comprises the following steps: The position collection mechanism collects the real-time position signal of the operator; The microprocessor determines the distance between the operator and the excavator according to the operator's real-time position signal. When it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting lamp and the distance is gradually reduced, the microprocessor sends a light operation request instruction to the excavator ECU, so that the excavator ECU controls the lighting lamp of the corresponding range to light up; when the distance S between the operator and the excavator is gradually reduced and S2<S≤S1, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to rise to the height H1 and controls the red lighting lamp to light up; when the distance S between the operator and the excavator is gradually reduced and S≤S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to drop to the height H2, controls the red lighting lamp to go out, and the yellow lighting lamp to light up; When the excavator ECU receives the excavator ignition start signal, the lights flash alternately to warn; When the excavator ECU receives the signal that the excavator has stopped and turned off the engine, the microprocessor again determines the distance between the operator and the excavator based on the operator's real-time position signal. When it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting and the distance is gradually increasing, a light operation request instruction is sent to the excavator ECU, so that the excavator ECU controls the lighting to turn off after a period of time; when the distance S between the operator and the excavator gradually increases and S≤S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to rise to the height of H2 and controls the yellow lighting to light up; when the distance S between the operator and the excavator gradually increases and S>S2, the excavator ECU controls the support rod to descend to the height of the cab and controls all lighting to turn off.

2. The control method of the intelligent lighting device for excavators according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position acquisition mechanism comprises a GPS sending device located at the operator and a GPS receiving device installed on the excavator, wherein the GPS receiving device is connected to a microprocessor; and the GPS receiving device receives a real-time position signal sent by the GPS sending device.

3. The control method of the intelligent lighting device for excavators according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microprocessor calculates the distance and angle between the operator and the excavator based on the operator's position signal. When it is determined that the distance between the operator and the excavator is within the range of the lighting, it sends a light operation request instruction and the distance and angle between the operator and the excavator to the excavator ECU.

4. The control method of the intelligent lighting device for excavators according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the operator enters the excavator and starts the ignition, the excavator ECU detects that the safety handle is open, then controls the support rod to drop to the height of the cab, controls the rotating lamp holder to rotate periodically, and controls the red and yellow lights to flash alternately as a warning.

5. The control method of the intelligent lighting device for excavators according to claim 3, characterized in that: When all lights are off, the device enters a low-power standby state, and the power supply for the standby state is provided by the vehicle battery.

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