Starting system of a work machine and starting method of a work machine

Abstract

A starting system of a work machine includes a control section that controls the work machine, a proximity detection section that detects that a specific operator is in proximity to the work machine, and a starting section that starts at least a part of the control section when it is detected that the specific operator is in proximity to the work machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a starting system for operating machinery and a starting method for operating machinery.

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-061479, filed on March 31, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of construction machinery, it is known that keyless entry systems utilize wireless signals to determine the presence of an operator and unlock doors. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology for keyless entry systems.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-205469 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] On the other hand, for the control unit used to control the work machinery, since the operator starts the work machinery by operating the ignition key after getting on the work machinery, there is a possibility that time will be spent before the work machinery can be operated.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a starting system and a method for starting work machinery that enables the work machinery to be operated as early as possible.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] According to one method, the starting system of the working machine includes: a control unit for controlling the working machine; a proximity detection unit for detecting when a specific operator approaches the working machine; and a starting unit for activating at least a portion of the control unit when the proximity of the specific operator to the working machine is detected.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] Using the above method, the starting system of the operating machinery can operate the machinery as early as possible. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the working machine according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the driver's cab according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware structure of the control system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram showing the software structure of the starter signal unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the starting action of a machine operating based on the control system in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing between the control system and the operator's terminal based on the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control system when the door switch is pressed in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the authentication actions of an operator riding on a work machine based on the control system according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of a computer involved in at least one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] <First Embodiment>

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Structure of Operation Machinery 100

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the work machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] The work machinery 100 operates at the construction site, performing construction work on objects such as soil and sand. The work machinery 100 in the first embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The work machinery 100 includes a walking body 110, a slewing body 120, a work machine 130, and a cab 140. The work machinery 100 in the first embodiment authenticates the operator by communicating with an operator terminal 300, such as a smartphone, using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth is a registered trademark). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the work machinery 100 and the operator terminal 300 may communicate via short-range wireless communication methods other than BLE, such as Bluetooth or Zigbee.

[0028] The traveling body 110 supports the working machine 100 so that it can move. The traveling body 110 has two tracks 111 arranged on the left and right sides and two travel motors 112 for driving each track 111.

[0029] The rotating body 120 is supported by the traveling body 110 so that it can rotate around the rotation center.

[0030] The work machine 130 is hydraulically driven. Supported by the front of the slewing body 120, the work machine 130 can be driven vertically. The cab 140 is a space for an operator to sit in and operate the work machine 100. The cab 140 is located at the front left of the slewing body 120.

[0031] Here, the part of the rotating body 120 in which the work machine 130 is mounted is referred to as the front part. Furthermore, with respect to the rotating body 120, based on the front part, the part on the opposite side is referred to as the rear part, the part on the left side is referred to as the left part, and the part on the right side is referred to as the right part.

[0032] The Structure of Rotary Body 120

[0033] The rotating body 120 includes an engine 121, a hydraulic pump 122, a control valve 123, a rotary motor 124, and a fuel injection device 125.

[0034] Engine 121 is the prime mover that drives hydraulic pump 122. Engine 121 is an example of a power source. A starter motor (cell motor) 1211 is provided in engine 121. Engine 121 is started by the rotation of starter motor 1211.

[0035] Hydraulic pump 122 is a variable capacity pump driven by engine 121. Hydraulic pump 122 supplies working oil to each actuator (boom cylinder 131C, stick cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, travel motor 112, and swing motor 124) via control valve 123.

[0036] Control valve 123 controls the flow rate of working oil supplied from hydraulic pump 122.

[0037] The rotary motor 124 is driven by working oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122 via the control valve 123, which causes the rotary body 120 to rotate.

[0038] The fuel injection device 125 injects fuel into the engine 121.

[0039] Structure of the 130 Working Machine

[0040] The work machine 130 is equipped with a boom 131, a stick 132, a bucket 133, a boom cylinder 131C, a stick cylinder 132C, and a bucket cylinder 133C.

[0041] The base end of the boom 131 is mounted to the slewing body 120 via a boom pin.

[0042] The stick 132 connects the boom 131 and the bucket 133. The base end of the stick 132 is mounted to the front end of the boom 131 via a stick pin.

[0043] The bucket 133 has a cutting edge for digging soil and sand, and a receiving part for collecting the dug soil and sand. The base end of the bucket 133 is mounted to the front end of the stick 132 via a bucket pin.

[0044] Boom cylinder 131C is a hydraulic cylinder used to operate boom 131. The base end of boom cylinder 131C is mounted on slewing body 120. The front end of boom cylinder 131C is mounted on boom 131.

[0045] The boom cylinder 132C is a hydraulic cylinder used to drive the boom 132. The base end of the boom cylinder 132C is mounted on the boom 131. The front end of the boom cylinder 132C is mounted on the boom 132.

[0046] Bucket cylinder 133C is a hydraulic cylinder used to drive bucket 133. The base end of bucket cylinder 133C is mounted on stick 132. The front end of bucket cylinder 133C is mounted on a link component connected to bucket 133.

[0047] Structure of the driver's cab 140

[0048] A door 141 for the operator to ride in is provided on the left surface of the cab 140. A locking actuator 1411 for locking the door 141 and a door switch 1412 for unlocking the door 141 are provided on the door 141.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the driver's cab 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0050] The driver's cab 140 includes a driver's seat 142, an operating device 143, a rotary switch 144, and a touch panel 145D. The rotary switch 144 is a switch that can be rotated to select one of four positions: OFF, ACC (accessory), IG (ignition), or ST (start). Furthermore, if a finger is released from the ST position, the rotary switch 144 automatically returns to the IG position via a spring mechanism (not shown).

[0051] The operating device 143 is a device for driving the traveling body 110, the rotating body 120, and the working machine 130 through manual operation by the operator. The operating device 143 includes a left operating lever 143LO, a right operating lever 143RO, a left foot pedal 143LF, a right foot pedal 143RF, a left travel lever 143LT, and a right travel lever 143RT.

[0052] The left control lever 143LO is located to the left of the driver's seat 142. The right control lever 143RO is located to the right of the driver's seat 142.

[0053] The left operating lever 143LO is an operating mechanism for rotating the slewing body 120 and digging / tilting the boom 132. Specifically, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left operating lever 143LO forward, the boom 132 tilts. Furthermore, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left operating lever 143LO backward, the boom 132 digs. Additionally, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left operating lever 143LO to the right, the slewing body 120 rotates to the right. Furthermore, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left operating lever 143LO to the left, the slewing body 120 rotates to the left. Alternatively, in other embodiments, pushing the left operating lever 143LO in the forward / backward direction may cause the slewing body 120 to rotate to the right or left, while pushing the left operating lever 143LO in the left / right direction may cause the boom 132 to dig or tilt.

[0054] The right operating lever 143RO is an operating mechanism for performing digging / tilting actions on the bucket 133 and raising / lowering actions on the boom 131. Specifically, if the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right operating lever 143RO forward, the boom 131 is lowered. Furthermore, if the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right operating lever 143RO backward, the boom 131 is raised. Furthermore, if the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right operating lever 143RO to the right, the bucket 133 is tilted. Furthermore, if the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right operating lever 143RO to the left, the bucket 133 is digging. In other embodiments, pushing the right operating lever 143RO in the forward / backward direction causes the bucket 133 to tilt or dig, while pushing the right operating lever 143RO in the left / right direction causes the boom 131 to raise or lower.

[0055] The left foot pedal 143LF is located on the left side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The right foot pedal 143RF is located on the right side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The left travel lever 143LT is supported by the left foot pedal 143LF, and is configured such that tilting of the left travel lever 143LT is linked to pressing down on the left foot pedal 143LF. The right travel lever 143RT is supported by the right foot pedal 143RF, and is configured such that tilting of the right travel lever 143RT is linked to pressing down on the right foot pedal 143RF.

[0056] The left foot pedal 143LF and the left travel lever 143LT correspond to the rotation drive of the left track of the traveling body 110. Specifically, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left foot pedal 143LF or the left travel lever 143LT forward, the left track rotates in the forward direction. Furthermore, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the left foot pedal 143LF or the left travel lever 143LT backward, the left track rotates in the backward direction.

[0057] The right foot pedal 143RF and the right travel lever 143RT correspond to the rotation drive of the right track of the traveling body 110. Specifically, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the right foot pedal 143RF or the right travel lever 143RT forward, the right track rotates in the forward direction. Furthermore, if the operator of the working machine 100 pushes the right foot pedal 143RF or the right travel lever 143RT backward, the right track rotates in the backward direction.

[0058] Structure of Control System 145

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware structure of the control system 145 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 In the diagram, solid lines represent power lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines. Furthermore, Figure 3 A single dotted line in the middle indicates wireless communication.

[0060] The control system 145 includes a power supply unit 201, a starter signal unit 202, a gateway function controller 203, a monitor controller 204, a control controller 205, and an engine controller 206. The starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206 are interconnected via in-vehicle networks such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet. The gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206 constitute the control unit for controlling the working machinery 100.

[0061] The power supply unit 201 supplies electrical energy to each device constituting the control system 145.

[0062] The starter signal unit 202 receives signal input from the door switch 1412, rotary switch 144, operator terminal 300, and monitor controller 204. Based on the input signal, the starter signal unit 202 outputs a start signal to the gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, engine controller 206, locking actuator 1411, or starter motor 1211. The controller that receives the start signal starts and operates using electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit 201. Furthermore, the starter signal unit 202 continues to operate even when other controllers are in a stopped state, receiving electrical energy from the power supply unit 201. On the other hand, the starter signal unit 202 can also be configured to start intermittently, with only the BLE communication unit 221 (described later) in an activated state and the other structures in a dormant state when the machine 100 is not started.

[0063] The gateway function controller 203 relays the communication between controllers such as the starter signal unit 202, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206. The gateway function controller 203 is an example of a second control unit that controls communication.

[0064] The monitor controller 204 controls the display of the touch panel 145D provided in the control system 145 and notifies the touch panel 145D of touch operations. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the control system 145 may not have a touch panel 145D, but rather a monitor without touch input functionality, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and physical buttons. In this case, the monitor controller 204 controls the display on the monitor and notifies the physical buttons to be pressed.

[0065] The control controller 205 acquires various data associated with the hydraulic equipment controlling the operation of the work machine 130 via sensors (not shown), and outputs control signals for controlling the hydraulic equipment based on the operation of the operating device 143. In other words, the control controller 205 controls the drive of the boom cylinder 131C, stick cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, travel motor 112, swing motor 124, etc. The control controller 205 is an example of a first control unit that outputs control signals for driving the body of the work machine 100 with power supplied by a power source.

[0066] Engine controller 206 acquires various data associated with engine 121 through sensors (not shown) and instructs fuel injection quantity to fuel injection device 125, thereby controlling engine 121.

[0067] The start-up times of each controller differ. Sometimes, the gateway function controller 203 takes longer to start up than other controllers such as the starter signal unit 202, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206.

[0068] The control system 145 has the function of authenticating the operator riding in the cab 140 via operation of the touch panel 145D. For example, the control system 145 may also include a controller for authentication processing, and the starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, and monitor controller 204 may also have authentication processing functions. Specifically, the control system 145 displays an operator ID selection screen on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204, and accepts the selection of an operator ID. If the selected operator ID indicates that the operator has the right to operate the machine 100, the control system 145 authenticates the operator riding in the cab 140 as an operator with operating authority. The monitor controller 204 is an example of an authentication unit for authenticating the operator of the machine 100.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram showing the software structure of the starter signal unit 202 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] The starter signal unit 202 includes a BLE communication unit 221, a network communication unit 222, a signal input unit 223, an operator storage unit 224, a proximity detection unit 225, a starting unit 226, and a status storage unit 227.

[0071] The BLE communication unit 221 operates as the center of the BLE system, communicating with the operator terminal 300. The BLE communication unit 221 searches for communicable operator terminals 300 and receives advertising packets from the discovered operator terminals 300. The advertising packets contain an operator ID identifying the operator and a machine ID indicating the machine 100 to be started. The operator ID can also be, for example, the Bluetooth device address of the operator terminal 300.

[0072] The network communication unit 222 communicates with other controllers via the in-vehicle network.

[0073] The signal input unit 223 receives signal input from the door switch 1412 and the rotary switch 144.

[0074] The operator storage unit 224 stores the operator ID, display name, and a permission flag indicating whether the operator has operating authority over the work equipment 100 for each operator. An ON value for the permission flag indicates that the operator has operating authority over the work equipment 100, while an OFF value indicates that the operator does not have operating authority over the work equipment 100. Hereinafter, operators with an ON value for the permission flag, i.e., operators with operating authority over the work equipment 100, will be referred to as specific operators.

[0075] The proximity detection unit 225 determines whether a specific operator is near the work machine 100 based on the advertising data packet received by the BLE communication unit 221 and the information stored in the operator storage unit 224. In other words, the proximity detection unit 225 detects when a specific operator is approaching the work machine 100. Specifically, the proximity detection unit 225 determines the operator ID contained in the advertising data packet received by the BLE communication unit 221. If the permission flag associated with the determined operator ID in the operator storage unit 224 is enabled, it determines that a specific operator is approaching the work machine 100. The proximity detection unit 225 considers this as a specific operator's proximity status and records the operator ID of the approaching specific operator in the status storage unit 227.

[0076] The starting unit 226 outputs a starting signal to the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, the engine controller 206, the locking actuator 1411, or the starter motor 1211.

[0077] Operator Terminal 300

[0078] The operator terminal 300 functions as a BLE peripheral device by executing a pre-installed startup program for the work machine 100. When the operator terminal 300 executes the startup program, it displays a list of work machines 100 and allows the operator to select the work machine 100 to be started. If the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the work machine 100, it begins sending an advertising data packet containing the operator ID and the machine ID of the selected work machine 100.

[0079] Actions of Control System 145

[0080] Here, the starting action of the work machinery 100 when an operator (specific operator) with the authority to operate the work machinery 100 rides on the work machinery 100 will be described. The control system 145 is an example of the starting system of the work machinery 100. Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the starting operation of the working machine 100 based on the control system 145 of the first embodiment.

[0081] If the operator operates the operator terminal 300 to execute the start-up procedure, a list of the operating machines 100 will be displayed, and the operator will select the operating machine 100 to be started (step S1). If the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the operating machine 100, it will send an advertising data packet containing the operator ID and the machine ID of the selected operating machine 100 (step S2).

[0082] The initiator signal unit 202 receives the advertising data packet. If it determines that a specific operator is approaching, it sends a start signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S3). The gateway function controller 203 then starts up (step S4). Afterward, the gateway function controller 203 completes its startup (step S5). Furthermore, when the advertising data packet initially arrives at the work machine 100, the operator terminal 300 and the work machine 100 are only a short distance apart, allowing for BLE communication. Therefore, if the time required for the gateway function controller 203 to start up is shorter than the time required for the operator to reach the work machine 100, the startup of the gateway function controller 203 can be completed before the operator reaches the work machine 100 (step S5).

[0083] If an operator arrives at the work machine 100, they press the door switch 1412 to open the door 141. The starter signal unit 202 then receives an ON signal from the door switch 1412 (step S6). After confirming the approach of a specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 actuates the locking actuator 1411, releasing the lock on the door 141 (step S7).

[0084] When the operator sits in the cab 140 and rotates the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ACC from the rotary switch 144 (step S8). After confirming the approach of a specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S9). As a result, the monitor controller 204 starts (step S10).

[0085] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal to the touch panel 145D for displaying the operator's overview screen (step S11). Thus, the operator's overview screen is displayed on the touch panel 145D. The monitor controller 204 receives an operator ID selection from the operator's overview screen based on the operator's operation (step S12). The starter signal unit 202 confirms that the selected operator ID represents a specific operator and sends a start signal to the control controller 205 (step S13). Thus, the control controller 205 starts (step S14).

[0086] If the operator rotates the rotary switch 144 to the IG position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating IG from the rotary switch 144 (step S15). The starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the engine controller 206 (step S16). As a result, the engine controller 206 starts (step S17).

[0087] If the operator rotates the rotary switch 144 to the ST position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ST from the rotary switch 144 (step S18). The starter signal unit 202 then drives the starter motor 1211 (step S19). As a result, the engine 121 starts, and the work machinery 100 becomes operable.

[0088] As described above, the control system 145 activates the gateway function controller 203 when a specific operator approaches, and then activates the control controller 205 after the specific operator has been authenticated. Since operator authentication requires the operator to be seated in the cab 140, the activation of the gateway function controller 203 occurs before the activation of the control controller 205. Thus, by activating a device like the gateway function controller 203, which does not perform vehicle body control of the work machinery 100, at the moment a specific operator approaches, the control system 145 ensures the safety of the work machinery 100. Furthermore, the gateway function controller 203 takes longer to activate than other devices; therefore, by activating it based on the proximity of a specific operator, the waiting time for operating the work machinery 100 can be shortened.

[0089] The operation of the starter signal unit 202 will be explained below.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing between the control system 145 and the operator terminal 300 based on the first embodiment.

[0091] The BLE communication unit 221 of the initiator signal unit 202 scans at each predetermined scan interval to determine whether an advertising data packet has been received (step S101). If no advertising data packet is received (step S101: No), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator nearby, and rewrites the proximity data representing the proximity status of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan interval.

[0092] On the other hand, upon receiving an advertising data packet (step S101: Yes), the BLE communication unit 221 reads the device ID and operator ID from the advertising data packet. The proximity detection unit 225 determines whether there is an advertising data packet with a device ID representing the machine 100 (step S103). If there is no advertising data packet with a device ID representing the machine 100 (step S103: No), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator nearby, rewrites the proximity data representing the proximity status of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan timing.

[0093] If an advertising data packet with a device ID representing the operating machine 100 exists (step S103: Yes), the proximity detection unit 225 determines whether the permission flag associated with the operator ID of the advertising data packet in the operator storage unit 224 is enabled (step S104). If the permission flag associated with the operator ID is disabled (step S104: No), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator nearby, rewrites the proximity data representing the proximity status of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan timer.

[0094] If the permission flag associated with the operator ID is enabled (step S104: Yes), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that a specific operator is nearby and updates the proximity data representing the proximity status of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to the operator ID contained in the advertising data packet (step S105).

[0095] Next, the starting unit 226 sends a start signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S106). As a result, the starter signal unit 202 can initiate the start-up of the gateway function controller 203 before a specific operator boards the work machinery 100. Additionally, the starting unit 226 illuminates a (not shown) light on the work machinery 100 (step S107). Thus, the starter signal unit 202 can notify the specific operator of the location of the work machinery 100 they should board.

[0096] Alternatively, in other embodiments, some of the above-described processes may not be performed. For example, in other embodiments, the starter signal unit 202 may not perform steps S102, S103, S105, and S107.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system 145 when the door switch 1412 is pressed in the first embodiment.

[0098] If the door switch 1412 is pressed, the signal input unit 223 of the starter signal unit 202 receives an input signal indicating that the door is on from the door switch 1412 (step S121). The proximity detection unit 225 refers to the proximity data in the status storage unit 227 and determines whether it contains the operator ID of at least one specific operator (step S122). If the proximity data contains the operator ID of a specific operator (step S122: Yes), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that a specific operator is nearby, and the starter unit 226 drives the locking actuator 1411 to release the lock on the door 141 (step S123). At this time, the starter unit 226 may also sound a buzzer indicating that the door has been unlocked using a speaker not shown.

[0099] On the other hand, if the proximity data does not contain the operator ID of a specific operator (step S122: no), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator nearby, and the starting unit 226 does not drive the locking actuator 1411.

[0100] Thus, the control system 145 unlocks the door 141 when a specific operator is present near the machine 100, and does not unlock it when the specific operator is not present near the machine 100.

[0101] Alternatively, the operating machinery 100 involved in other embodiments may not be based on... Figure 7 The flowchart shows how locking and unlocking are performed using a physical key.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the authentication actions of an operator riding on the work machinery 100 based on the control system 145 according to the first embodiment.

[0103] If the operator riding on the work machine 100 rotates the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the signal input section 223 of the starter signal unit 202 receives an input signal indicating ACC from the rotary switch 144 (step S141). If an input signal indicating ACC is received, the starter unit 226 sends a start signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S142).

[0104] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal to the touch panel 145D for displaying an operator overview screen for selecting an operator ID (step S143). The operator overview information for selecting an operator ID can also be stored by the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, or other controllers. Alternatively, the monitor controller 204 can receive operator overview information from an external control device of the machine 100 and output a signal to the touch panel 145D for displaying the operator overview screen. Furthermore, via... Figure 6 The process shown pre-activates the gateway function controller 203, thus enabling the monitor controller 204 to communicate with other controllers immediately upon activation. Therefore, even if the monitor controller 204 receives a signal from other controllers for displaying the operator overview screen, it can still receive that signal immediately upon activation. The operator overview screen contains multiple operator IDs read in step S143. Consequently, the touch panel 145D accepts a selection from the multiple operators.

[0105] If the operator selects an operator ID via the touch panel 145D, the control system 145 acquires the selected operator ID (step S144). The control system 145 determines whether the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data stored in the status storage unit 227 (step S145). If the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data (step S145: Yes), the control system 145 authenticates that the passenger is a specific operator. The starting unit 226 sends a start signal to the control controller 205 (step S146).

[0106] On the other hand, if the selected operator ID is not included in the proximity data (step S145: No), the control system 145 determines that the authentication of the operator is failed. At this time, the starting unit 226 does not send a start signal to the control controller 205. In other words, even if the gateway function controller 203 is activated due to the proximity of a specific operator, and the door 141 is unlocked, the control controller 205, which drives the work machinery 100 by power, will not start unless the operator is authenticated as that specific operator. Therefore, the control system 145 can prevent unauthorized personnel from operating the work machinery 100.

[0107] As described above, the control system 145 performs authentication by selecting one operator ID from multiple operator IDs. If the passenger is a specific operator holding the operator terminal 300, that operator can find and press their own operator ID from the operator overview screen. On the other hand, unauthorized personnel without operating privileges do not know which operator ID represents a specific operator nearby; therefore, the control system 145 can prevent unauthorized login.

[0108] At this point, the control system 145 can further enhance security by requiring a password, etc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, instead of using the touch panel 145D, operator authentication can be performed using biometric authentication devices, facial recognition devices, etc. Additionally, in other embodiments, operator authentication can be performed by connecting the operator terminal 300 to the control system 145, obtaining the operator ID from the operator terminal 300, and then authenticating the operator.

[0109] The processing of steps S144 to S145 described above can also be performed by the initiator signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, or other controllers. For example, the controller performing authentication can obtain the selected operator ID and the proximity data stored in the status storage unit 227, and determine whether the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data stored in the status storage unit 227.

[0110] Subsequently, if the rotary switch 144 is rotated to the IG position, the starting unit 226 sends a start signal to the engine controller 206. If the rotary switch 144 is rotated to the ST position, the starting unit 226 drives the starter motor 1211, thereby driving the engine 121. However, even if the engine 121 is driven, the work machine 100 cannot be driven by the power of the engine 121 if operator authentication is performed without starting the control controller 205. Alternatively, if the starter motor 1211 has a starter cut-off relay, the starting unit 226 can turn the starter cut-off output ON when operator authentication is performed, so that the engine 121 cannot be driven unless operator authentication is performed.

[0111] Functions and Effects

[0112] Thus, according to the first embodiment, when the control system 145 detects a specific operator approaching the machine 100, it activates the gateway function controller 203 before the control controller 205. In this way, by activating the gateway function controller 203 using the detection of a specific operator, the control system 145 enables the machine 100 to operate as early as possible. Furthermore, since the control system 145 activates the control controller 205 after the gateway function controller 203, safety is improved. Because the control controller 205 is not activated, it is possible to prevent the control controller 205 from being cracked.

[0113] In particular, the startup time of the gateway function controller 203 in the first embodiment is longer than that of the control controller 205. Therefore, by starting the gateway function controller 203 first, the time spent waiting for the gateway function controller 203 to start can be omitted.

[0114] The control system 145 according to the first embodiment detects the approach of a specific operator to the work machinery 100 by detecting the wireless signal emitted by the operator terminal 300 held by the specific operator. As a result, the operator can activate the gateway function controller 203 of the work machinery 100 simply by approaching the work machinery 100 while holding the operator terminal 300.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the wireless signal emitted by the operator terminal 300 includes a machine ID indicating the machine 100 to be started. The proximity detection unit 225 determines whether to start the gateway function controller 203 based on the machine ID contained in the wireless signal. As a result, the control system 145 can prevent the machine 100 that is not to be started from starting unnecessarily.

[0116] After detecting that a specific operator is approaching the work machinery 100, the control system 145 authenticates the operator using a touch panel 145D located in the cab 140 of the work machinery 100. Thus, the control system 145 can activate the control controller 205 after confirming not only that the specific operator is present near the work machinery 100 but also that the operator riding in the work machinery 100 is the specific operator.

[0117] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0118] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details one embodiment. However, the specific structure is not limited to the above structure, and various design changes are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, some processes can be performed in parallel.

[0119] The starter signal unit 202 described in the above embodiments can also be a separate computer, or the structure of the starter signal unit 202 can be separately configured on multiple computers, with the multiple computers cooperating to perform the function of the starter signal unit 202. For example, the function of outputting the start signal and the function of authenticating the operator in the starter signal unit 202 can also be installed on separate computers. Alternatively, some of the computers constituting the starter signal unit 202 can be installed inside the machine 100, while other computers can be located outside the machine 100.

[0120] The control system 145 described in the above embodiments may also be part of the structure of the control system 145 mounted inside the working machine 100, while other structures are located outside the working machine 100.

[0121] The operator terminal 300 described in the above embodiments is a terminal capable of executing applications, such as a smartphone, but is not limited to this. For example, the operator terminal 300 in other embodiments may also be a key card that only has the function of outputting a predetermined advertising data packet. Furthermore, when the operator terminal 300 is a key card, it is not possible to accept the selection of the target machine 100 for startup via an application. In this case, all the machines 100 that received the advertising data packet and whose operator ID contained in the advertising data packet was set to a specific operator can also be started.

[0122] The control system 145 described in the above embodiment displays an operator overview screen containing multiple operator IDs, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control system 145 in other embodiments may display only the operator ID corresponding to the specific operator determined by the proximity detection unit 225 to be approaching the work machinery 100 on the operator overview screen. In this case, if only one specific operator is determined to be approaching, then that one operator is displayed on the operator overview screen; if two or more specific operators are determined to be approaching, then two or more operators determined to be approaching can be displayed on the operator overview screen.

[0123] The starter signal unit 202 described in the above embodiments activates the gateway function controller 203 upon the approach of a specific operator, but is not limited thereto. For example, the starter signal unit 202 in other embodiments may replace the gateway function controller 203 to activate other controllers (monitor controller 204, camera controller not shown, etc.) that are not the control controller 205, or activate other controllers (monitor controller 204, camera controller not shown, etc.) that are not the control controller 205 in addition to the gateway function controller 203.

[0124] The gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206 described in the above embodiments constitute a control unit for controlling the working machine 100, but are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, a control unit may be configured to control the working machine 100 through a portion of the gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the control unit may also include other controllers.

[0125] The operating machinery 100 described in the above embodiments is a hydraulic excavator, but in other embodiments, it may be other operating machinery. Examples of operating machinery 100 include bulldozers, dump trucks, forklifts, wheel loaders, motorized graders, etc.

[0126] <Computer Architecture>

[0127] Figure 9 It is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of a computer involved in at least one embodiment.

[0128] The various devices (starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, engine controller 206, etc.) of the aforementioned control system 145 are installed in the computer 50. The computer 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, a storage device 53, and an interface 54. The operations of each of the aforementioned processing units are stored in the storage device 53 in the form of a program. The processor 51 reads the program from the storage device 53 and expands it in the main memory 52, and executes the aforementioned processing according to the program. Furthermore, the processor 51 secures a storage area in the main memory 52 corresponding to each of the aforementioned storage units according to the program. Examples of processors 51 include CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), microprocessors, etc.

[0129] The program can also be a part of the program used to implement the functions that enable the computer 50 to perform. For example, the program can also function by combining with other programs already stored in memory or with other programs installed on other devices. Additionally, in other embodiments, the computer 50 may have a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or alternative to the above-described structure. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor 51 can also be implemented by this integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included in one example of a processor.

[0130] Examples of storage devices 53 include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, and semiconductor memories. Storage device 53 can also be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 50, or an external medium connected to computer 50 via interface 54 or a communication line. Furthermore, if the program is distributed to computer 50 via a communication line, the receiving computer 50 can expand the program in main memory 52 and execute the aforementioned processing. In at least one embodiment, storage device 53 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0131] Furthermore, the program can also be a part of the program used to implement the aforementioned functions. Additionally, the program can also be a program that implements the aforementioned functions by combining with other programs already stored in memory 53, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0132] Industrial availability

[0133] According to the above method, the starting system of the operating machinery can enable the operating machinery to be operated as early as possible.

[0134] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0135] 100...Working machine; 110...Traveling body; 120...Rotating body; 121...Engine; 1211...Starter motor; 130...Working machine; 140...Cab; 1411...Locking actuator; 1412...Door switch; 142...Driver's seat; 143...Operating device; 144...Rotary switch; 145...Control system; 145D...Touch panel; 201...Power supply unit; 202...Starter signal unit; 203...Gateway function controller; 204...Monitor controller; 205...Control controller; 206...Engine controller; 221...BLE communication unit; 222...Network communication unit; 223...Signal input unit; 224...Operator storage unit; 225...Proximity detection unit; 226...Starting unit; 227...Status storage unit; 300...Operator terminal.

Claims

1. A starting system for a work-related machine, comprising: Control department, responsible for controlling the operating machinery; The proximity detection unit detects when a specific operator approaches the machine. The starting unit, upon detecting the proximity of the specific operator to the working machinery, activates at least a portion of the control unit. The control unit includes: The first control unit outputs a control signal for driving the vehicle body using power supplied by the power source; and The second control unit controls the communication between the devices constituting the control unit. The starting unit activates the second control unit when it detects that the specific operator is approaching the working machine, and then activates the first control unit after the second control unit has started.

2. The starting system for the operating machinery as described in claim 1, wherein, The start-up time of the first control unit is shorter than that of the second control unit.

3. The starting system for the operating machinery as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The machine is equipped with an authentication unit located in the operator's cab, which authenticates the operator present in the cab. After detecting that the specific operator is approaching the working machine, the starting unit activates the first control unit if it authenticates that the operator is the specific operator.

4. The starting system of the operating machinery as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The proximity detection unit detects the approach of the specific operator to the working machinery by detecting the wireless signal emitted by the terminal held by the specific operator.

5. The starting system for the working machinery as described in claim 4, wherein, The wireless signal emitted by the terminal contains an operator ID representing the operator. The proximity detection unit determines whether the person approaching the work machinery is the specific operator based on the operator ID contained in the wireless signal.

6. The starting system for the working machinery as described in claim 4, wherein, The wireless signal emitted by the terminal contains the machine ID representing the machine to be started. The proximity detection unit determines whether to activate the second control unit based on the mechanical ID contained in the wireless signal.

7. A method for starting a work machine, comprising: The steps for inspecting a specific operator's proximity to the operating machinery; and The step of activating at least a portion of the control unit of the working machine upon detecting that a specific operator is approaching the machine. The control unit includes: The first control unit outputs a control signal for driving the vehicle body using power supplied by the power source; and The second control unit controls the communication between the devices constituting the control unit. The second control unit is activated when the specific operator is detected to be approaching the working machine, and the first control unit is activated after the second control unit is activated.

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