Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine

Abstract

Flow rate control system of a working machine (1), comprising: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine (1); a control element (41) configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, wherein the control element (41) is attached to the working machine; a code that displays the identification information of the attachment and information about the maximum flow rate of the attachment, the code being affixed to a surface of the attachment; and a mobile terminal (50) configured to communicate wirelessly, wherein the mobile terminal (50) has: a camera (70); a first procurement part (55) configured to obtain the attachment identification information from an image of the code captured by the camera (70); a second procurement part (56) configured to obtain the maximum flow rate of the attachment from an image of the code taken by the camera (70); and an output part (51) configured to output the identification information and the maximum flow rate in wireless communication to the working machine (1), wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the maximum flow rate was obtained from the second procurement part (56).

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow rate adjustment system of a working machine, such as a backhoe, a skid steer loader, a track loader and a compact track loader. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A working machine disclosed in the unexamined Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2009 - 235 720 A is previously known as a method for adjusting the maximum flow rate supplied to various attachments.

[0003] The unexamined Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2009 - 235 720 A discloses a flow rate restriction adjusting device for variably adjusting the maximum flow rate level of a hydraulic operating oil, and the maximum flow rate level can be adjusted by the flow rate restriction adjusting device according to different types of attachments.

[0004] US 2014 / 0277962A1 describes a system consisting of working machines and attachments that enables optimized control and communication between the machine control and the device controls of the attachments. Brief summary of the invention; Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the unexamined Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2009-235720A (patent document 1), a display device arranged on a working machine reads a previously stored image of an attachment after a control unit has been set to a flow rate restriction setting mode, and an image of a predetermined attachment is displayed on the display device. The maximum flow rate of the attachment can then be set by actuating a switch on the display device, with the attachment corresponding to the displayed image.

[0006] An operator typically has various types of attachments and wants to easily set the maximum flow rate for the available attachments. In the Japanese unexamined patent application with publication number JP 2009-235720A (Patent Document 1), the maximum flow rate of the attachment can be set using the display device; however, the attachment available to the operator is not pre-programmed, which sometimes makes the process of setting the maximum flow rate inconvenient.

[0007] To solve the problems mentioned above, the present invention provides for a flow rate adjustment system that is capable of easily adjusting the maximum flow rate of an attachment by using a mobile device. Means of solving the problems

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a flow rate adjustment system having the features according to one of claims 1, 2, 8 or 9. To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the techniques representing the present invention are characterized by the following points.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flow rate control system of a working machine has all the features of claim 1, in particular: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine; a control unit configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, the control unit being mounted on the working machine; and a mobile terminal configured to communicate wirelessly, the mobile terminal comprising: a first acquisition part configured to acquire identification information, the identification information being used to identify the attachment; a second acquisition part configured to acquire a maximum flow rate of the attachment;and an output part configured to output the identification information and the maximum flow rate in wireless communication to the working machine, wherein the identification information is obtained from the first procurement part, and the maximum flow rate is obtained from the second procurement part.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a relationship part configured to relate the identification information of the attachment and the maximum flow rate to each other, wherein the identification information is obtained from the first procurement part, wherein the maximum flow rate is obtained from the second procurement part, and the output part outputs the identification information and the maximum flow rate, both of which have been related to each other by the relationship part.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the attachment has a code that displays: the identification information; and information indicating the maximum flow rate, and the mobile device has: an imaging part configured to map the code; and an extraction part configured to extract the identification information and the maximum flow rate from the code mapped by the imaging part.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the imaging part depicts the attachment separately from the code, and the relation part relates the identification information, the maximum flow rate, and an image of the attachment to each other, wherein the image was taken by the imaging part.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the mobile device comprises: a registration part configured to register the identification information and the maximum flow rate, and the output part outputs the identification information and the maximum flow rate, respectively, which were output by the registration part.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a display part configured to display: the identification information and the maximum flow rate, each registered by the registration part; or a name of the attachment and the maximum flow rate, each obtained from the identification information, wherein the identification information was related to the maximum flow rate by the relationship part.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the display part indicates a selection part used to select the attachment and outputs the following to the attachment: the identification information corresponding to the attachment selected by the selection part; and the maximum flow rate related to the identification information.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a flow rate control system of a working machine has all the features of claim 8, in particular: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine; a control unit configured to control a flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a level corresponding to a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, the control unit being mounted on the working machine; and a mobile terminal configured to communicate wirelessly, the mobile terminal comprising: a first acquisition part configured to acquire identification information, the identification information being used to identify the attachment; a second acquisition part configured to acquire the level of the attachment;and an output part configured to output the identification information and the level in the wireless communication to the working machine, wherein the identification information is obtained from the first procurement part, and the level is obtained from the second procurement part.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a relationship part that relates the identification information of the attachment and the level to each other, wherein the identification information is obtained from the first procurement part, wherein the level is obtained from the second procurement part, and the output part outputs the identification information and the level, both of which have been related to each other by the relationship part.

[0018] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the attachment has a code that displays: the identification information; and information indicating the level, and the mobile device has: an imaging part configured to map the code; and an extraction part configured to extract the identification information and the level from the code mapped by the imaging part.

[0019] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the imaging part depicts the attachment separately from the code, and the relation part relates the identification information, the level, and an image of the attachment to each other, wherein the image was taken by the imaging part.

[0020] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a registration part configured to register the identification information and the level, and the output part outputs the identification information and the level respectively output by the registration part.

[0021] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a display part configured to display: the identification information and the level, each registered by the registration part; or a name of the attachment and the level, each obtained from the identification information, wherein the identification information was related to the level by the relationship part.

[0022] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the display part indicates a selection part used to select the attachment part, and the output part provides the following: the identification information corresponding to the attachment part selected by the selection part; and the level associated with the identification information. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, the maximum flow rate of an attachment can be easily adjusted using a mobile device. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is an overall view of a flow rate adjustment system for a working machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a hydraulic system according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a view showing a relationship between an actuation degree θ of an actuating element and an electrical current value according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing an example of a first screen according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a view showing a relationship between identification information and a setting level according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a view showing an example of a second screen according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing a relationship between the identification information and a target flow rate according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing an example of a selection screen according to the first embodiment; Fig. 9 is an overall view of a flow rate adjustment system for a working machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 10 is a view showing an example of a third screen intended for setting a standard level according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 11 is a view showing an example of the third screen, which is capable of changing the default level according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 12 is a view showing an example of the third screen, which is provided for setting a standard flow rate according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 13 is a view showing an example of the third screen according to the second embodiment, which is capable of changing the standard flow rate; Fig. Figure 14 is a view showing another example of the selection screen according to the second embodiment; and Fig. Figure 15 is an overall view showing a side surface of a backhoe according to the embodiments of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0024] With reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of flow rate control systems of the present invention are described below. (First embodiment)

[0025] First, an overall configuration of a working machine according to the embodiment is described.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the working machine 1 comprises the following: a drive mechanism 2, which is arranged on a lower part of the working machine 1; a rotating body 3, which is arranged on an upper part of the working machine 1. A backhoe is shown, which here serves as an example of the working machine 1. Fig. 15; however, the working machine 1 is not limited to the backhoe, and accordingly, a compact loader, a compact track loader, and also a tractor can serve as examples. Accordingly, in explanations of the embodiment of the present invention and in explanations of the modified examples of the embodiment, a forward direction (a direction that is in Fig. 5 is indicated by arrow F) a front, an operator sitting in the driver's seat of the working machine 1, a reverse direction (a direction that is in Fig. 15 (shown by arrow B) a backside of the operator, a direction to the left (a direction from a backside of Fig. 15 towards the front) to the left side of the operator, and one direction to the right (one direction from the front of Fig. 15 towards the rear) of the operator's right side.

[0027] The drive unit 2 has a pair of drive units 4, each equipped with rubber tracks, with one drive unit 4 located on the right side of the work machine 1 and the other drive unit 4 located on the left side of the work machine 1. The drive unit 2 uses a tracked drive system configured to power the drive units 4 using a drive motor. A snowplow unit 5 is mounted on the front of the drive unit 2.

[0028] A rotary unit 3 comprises a rotating base 12 and a working unit 13 (an excavator unit). The rotating base 12 is mounted on the drive mechanism 2 via a pivot bearing 11 and is capable of free rotation about a vertical axis of the pivot bearing 11. The working unit 13 is arranged at the front of the rotating base 12. An internal combustion engine 7, a radiator 8, a driver's seat 9, a fuel tank, a hydraulic fluid tank, and the like are mounted on the rotating base 12. Additionally, a cab 14 is also mounted on the rotating base 12, with the cab 14 surrounding the driver's seat 9.

[0029] The work unit 13 comprises a pivoting frame 17, a boom 18, a stick 19, and a bucket 20. The pivoting frame 17 is supported by a pivoting bracket 16, which is located at the front of the rotary base 12, and is capable of free pivoting. Additionally, the pivoting bracket 17 is connected to a pivoting cylinder located within the rotary base 12. The boom 18 is supported by the pivoting bracket 16 and is capable of free upward and downward pivoting. The boom 18 is pivoted by extending and retracting a boom cylinder 22, which is located between the boom 18 and the pivoting frame 17. The stick 19 is supported by the boom 18 and is capable of free upward and downward pivoting. The stick 19 is pivoted by extending and retracting a stick cylinder 23, the stick cylinder 23 being located between the stick 19 and the boom 18.The spoon 20 is supported by the handle 19. The spoon 20 is pivoted by extending and retracting a spoon cylinder 21, the spoon cylinder 21 being located between the spoon 20 and the handle 19.

[0030] Instead of the bucket 20, an attachment such as a grapple, thumb, breaker, hedge cutter, tilting bucket, or rotary grapple can also be fitted to the front end of the stick 19. For simplicity, the attachments, such as the grapple, thumb, breaker, hedge cutter, tilting bucket, and rotary grapple, which are fitted in place of the bucket 20, are referred to as auxiliary attachments.

[0031] A hydraulic operating oil supply unit (not shown in the drawings) is arranged at the front end of the stick 19, wherein the hydraulic operating oil supply unit is configured to supply a hydraulic operating oil (a hydraulic operating fluid) to an actuator for actuating the auxiliary attachment (hereinafter also referred to as an auxiliary actuator).

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic circuit (of a hydraulic system) for actuating the auxiliary actuator.

[0033] First, the hydraulic system is described.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the hydraulic system is mounted on the working machine 1 and includes a first pump 30, a second pump 31, a control valve 32 and a pair of solenoid valves 33 and 34.

[0035] The first pump 30 is a device configured to pump hydraulic operating fluid to actuate an actuator, such as an auxiliary actuator 35. The control valve 32 is a valve connected to the first pump 30 and the auxiliary actuator 35, and is configured to control the flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid pumped by the first pump 30 to deliver the hydraulic operating fluid to the auxiliary actuator 35. The flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid flowing from the control valve 32 to the auxiliary actuator 35 varies depending on a pilot pressure of a pilot fluid, the pilot pressure being applied to a spool of the control valve 32.

[0036] The second pump 31 is a device configured to pump the pilot oil, wherein the pilot oil is a hydraulic operating oil for control and a hydraulic operating oil for signaling. Each of the solenoid valves 33 and 34 is a valve configured to change the opening position of the valve, the opening position changing depending on a control signal (an electrical current) applied to a solenoid contained in each of the solenoid valves 33 and 34. The solenoid valve 33 (hereinafter also referred to as a first solenoid valve 33), one of the pair of solenoid valves 33 and 34, is connected to the second pump 31 and a spool 32A (hereinafter also referred to as a first spool 32A), wherein the spool 32A is one of the spools of the control valve 32.The solenoid valve 34 (hereinafter also referred to as a second solenoid valve 34), the other of the pair of solenoid valves 33 and 34, is connected to the second pump 31 and a slide valve 32B (hereinafter also referred to as a second slide valve 32B), the slide valve 32B being the other of the slide valves of the control valve 32.

[0037] The first solenoid valve 33 changes its opening position and thereby controls the pilot fluid pressure (the pilot pressure) supplied by the second pump 31 to apply pressure to the first spool 32A of the control valve 32. The second solenoid valve 34 changes its opening position and thereby controls the pilot pressure supplied by the second pump 31 to apply pressure to the second spool 32B of the control valve 32.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows an overall view of the flow rate adjustment system for the working machine 1.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the flow rate adjustment system has an actuating element 40 and a control part 41.

[0040] The actuating element 40 is arranged on the working machine 1. The actuating element 40 is a device used to actuate the auxiliary attachment, i.e., the auxiliary actuator 35. The actuating element 40 consists of: a lever configured to pivot freely; a rocker switch configured to pivot freely like a rocker; a slider configured to move freely; a push button configured to be pressed freely; and the like. An actuation degree (for example, an actuation angle θ) of the actuating element 40 is detected by a position transmitter, a sensor, or the like, the position transmitter and the sensor being arranged on the actuating element. The actuation degree is input to the control unit 41 after its detection.

[0041] The control unit 41 is located on the working machine 1. The control unit 41 consists of a CPU or the like and sets an output (for example, an electrical current value) of a control signal based on the degree of actuation of the actuator 40. For the sake of clarity, the control of the control unit 41 is described here under the assumption that the actuator 40 is a lever configured to pivot to the right and to the left.

[0042] In a case where the actuating element 40 is pivoted to the left from a neutral position, the control unit 41 outputs an electrical current I (a control signal) of a predetermined value to a solenoid of the first solenoid valve 33 based on the actuating angle θ of the actuating element 40. In this way, the first solenoid valve 33 is opened depending on the electrical current value I, and the pilot pressure is thereby controlled, with the pilot pressure being applied to the first spool 32A of the control valve 32. Accordingly, when the first solenoid valve 33 is actuated, the first spool 32A of the control valve 32 moves depending on the actuating angle θ of the actuating element 40, thereby moving the auxiliary actuator 35 in one direction.

[0043] In a case where the actuating element 40 is pivoted to the right from the neutral position, the control unit 41 outputs an electrical current I (the control signal) of a predetermined value to a solenoid of the second solenoid valve 34, based on the degree of actuation θ of the actuating element 40. In this way, the second solenoid valve 34 is opened depending on the electrical current value I, and the pilot pressure is thereby controlled, with the pilot pressure being applied to the second spool 32B of the control valve 32. Accordingly, when the second solenoid valve 34 is actuated, the second spool 32B of the second valve 32 moves depending on the actuating angle θ of the actuating element 40, thereby moving the auxiliary actuator 35 in a different direction. The more the electrical current value I increases, the further the solenoid valve opens.

[0044] According to the hydraulic system, the first solenoid valve 33 and the second solenoid valve 34 are actuated proportionally to the actuation degree θ of the actuating element 40, thereby changing a flow rate of the auxiliary actuator 35.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 is a view showing a relationship between the degree of actuation θ of the actuating element 40 and the electrical current value output by the control unit.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control element 41 has several electrical current values, with each electrical current value being output when the actuation degree θ reaches its maximum (the maximum electrical current value). In other words, the control element 41 has several control lines, each with a different slope, where the control lines show a relationship between the actuation degree θ and the electrical current value. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 41 has ten maximum electrical current values, each of which is output when the actuation degree θ is at its maximum. For the sake of simplicity, in this example, the largest of the maximum electrical current values ​​corresponds to "Level 10," and "Level 9, Level 8, Level 7, Level 6, Level 5, Level 4, Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1" correspond to the maximum electrical current values ​​in descending order. Fig. Levels 6 to 2 are omitted. The higher the level, the greater the slope of the gradient. Fig. 3 control lines shown.

[0047] For example, in a case where the actuation factor θ is greatest at level 1, the opening position of the solenoid valve is smaller than the opening position in a case where the actuation factor θ is maximum at any of the levels greater than level 1, thus allowing the auxiliary actuator 35 to be moved slowly. Conversely, in a case where the actuation factor θ is maximum at level 10, the opening position of the solenoid valve is greater than the opening position in a case where the actuation factor θ is maximum at any of the other levels less than level 10, thus allowing the auxiliary actuator 35 to be moved quickly.

[0048] Then the level described above and the maximum flow rate corresponding to that level are obtained from outside.

[0049] The following is an explanation of a procedure for obtaining the level and the maximum flow rate that corresponds to the level.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the working machine 1 has a first memory section 45 and a first communication section 46. The first memory section 45 is capable of storing the level (hereinafter also referred to as a setting level) that was sent from outside. Additionally, the first memory section 45 is capable of storing the maximum flow rate (hereinafter also referred to as a setting flow rate) corresponding to the setting level. Furthermore, the first memory section 45 is capable of storing identification information and the like, which is used to identify the auxiliary actuator 35.

[0051] The first communication part 46 consists of a device for short-range or long-range wireless communication and is capable of being connected to an external device. For example, the first communication part 46 is a device configured to perform wireless communication, such as in a WLAN (WiFi, registered trademark), which is a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series. The first communication part 46 can be a device configured to perform wireless communication over a cellular communication network, and it can be a device configured to perform wireless communication over a data communication network.

[0052] The flow rate adjustment system of the working machine 1 has a mobile terminal 50.

[0053] The mobile device 50 consists, for example, of a smartphone (mobile multifunction phone) or a mobile computer, such as a tablet PC, which has relatively high computing power. The mobile device 50 is capable of receiving the setting level or setting flow rate based on the auxiliary attachment and receives the setting level or setting flow rate for transmission to the working machine 1 (the first communication unit 46). The mobile device 50 has a second communication unit (an output unit) 51, a procurement unit 52, a display unit 53, and a second storage unit 54.

[0054] The second communication part 51 consists of a communication device for wireless communication. The second communication part 51 is a device configured to perform wireless communication, for example, in a WLAN (WiFi, registered trademark), which is a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series. Additionally, the second communication part 51 is a device configured to perform wireless communication via a mobile communication network or a data communication network.

[0055] Procurement part 52 provides the setting level or setting flow rate and consists of an electronic circuit, a computer program, or the like. Procurement part 52 comprises a first procurement part 55 and a second procurement part 56. The first procurement part 55 and the second procurement part 56 each consist, for example, of an electronic circuit, a computer program, or the like.

[0056] The first procurement part 55 procures the identification information used to identify the auxiliary attachment. The second procurement part 56 procures the setting level or setting flow rate of the auxiliary attachment.

[0057] The operating methods of the first procurement part 55 and the second procurement part 56 are explained in detail below.

[0058] The procurement part 52 displays a first screen Q1 on the display part 53 to obtain the setting level, with the first screen Q1 in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0059] The first screen Q1 displays a first input section 60, which is intended for entering: a name of the auxiliary attachment; or the identification information of the auxiliary attachment. Additionally, the first screen Q1 displays a first adjustment section 61 and a second adjustment section 62, wherein the first adjustment section 61 is intended for setting the setting level for the first solenoid valve 33, and the second adjustment section 62 is intended for setting the setting level of the second solenoid valve 34. The first adjustment section 61 displays a scale section 61A and a first bar 61B, wherein the first bar 61B indicates a current level. A first indication part 61C can move along the scale part 61A, wherein the first indication part 61C is shown at an upper end of the first bar 61B, and the current level is indicated from a position of the first indication part 61C, the position corresponding to the scale part 61A.The level can be changed by moving the first indicator part 61C along the scale part 61A.

[0060] The second setting element 62 also displays a scale element 62A and a second bar 62B, the second bar 62B indicating a current level. A second indication element 62C can move along the scale element 62A, with the second indication element 62C being shown at the upper end of the second bar 62B, and the current level being indicated from a position of the second indication element 62C corresponding to the scale element 62A. The level can be changed by moving the second indication element 62C along the scale element 62A.

[0061] The first screen Q1 displays a setting button 63.

[0062] When the setting button 63 is selected, the second procurement part 56 obtains the current level as the setting level of the first solenoid valve 33, where the current level is shown by the first bar 61B, and obtains the current level as the setting level of the second solenoid valve 34, where the current level is shown by the second bar 62B. Additionally, when the setting button 63 is selected, the first procurement part 55 obtains: the identification information corresponding to a name of the auxiliary attachment, the name being entered into the first input part 60; or the identification information of the auxiliary attachment being entered into the first input part 60. In the case where the identification information is obtained based on the name of the auxiliary attachment, the name of the auxiliary attachment is pre-associated with the identification information.

[0063] The second communication unit (an output unit) 51 outputs the following to the working machine 1 (the first communication unit 46): the identification information of the attachment, where the identification information is obtained from the first acquisition unit 55; and the setting level, which is obtained from the second acquisition unit 56. For example, the output unit 51 outputs the following: the identification information entered into the first screen Q1; where the setting level was set by selecting the setting button 63. As described above, the necessary information is entered into the first screen Q1, and the setting level corresponding to the identification information is thereby output.

[0064] Additionally, after the identification information and the setting level have been correlated, the related identification information and setting level can be output to the first communication part 46.

[0065] The mobile terminal 50 also contains a relationship part 57. The relationship part 57 relates the identification information and the setting level to each other, the identification information being obtained by the first procurement part 55 and the setting level being obtained by the second procurement part 56. It consists, for example, of an electronic circuit or a computer program. For example, by selecting the setting button 63, the relationship part 57 relates the identification information and the setting level to each other. The output part 51 outputs the identification information and the setting level to the first communication part 46, where the identification information and the setting level have been related to each other.

[0066] In a case where the adjustment flow rate is procured instead of the adjustment level, the procurement part 52 displays a second screen Q2 on the display part 53, with the second screen Q2 in Fig. Figure 6 is shown. A modified example is described below, where the modified example sets the adjustment flow rate instead of the adjustment level.

[0067] The second screen Q2 also displays the first input part 60. Additionally, the second screen Q2 displays a third adjustment part 65 and a fourth adjustment part 66, wherein the third adjustment part 65 is for setting the set flow rate for the first solenoid valve 33, and the fourth adjustment part 66 is for setting the set flow rate for the second solenoid valve 34. The third adjustment part 65 displays a scale part 65A and a third bar 65B, wherein the third bar 65B displays a current flow rate. A third indicator part 65C can move along the scale part 65A, with the third indicator part 65C being shown at an upper end of the third bar 65B and indicating the current flow rate from a position of the third indicator part 65C corresponding to the scale part 65A. The flow rate can be changed by moving the third indicator part 65C along the scale part 65A.

[0068] The fourth setting element 66 also displays a scale element 66A and a fourth bar 66B, the fourth bar 66B indicating a current flow rate. A fourth indication element 66C can move along the scale element 66A, with the fourth indication element 66C being shown at an upper end of the fourth bar 66B and the current flow rate indicated from a position of the fourth indication element 66C corresponding to the scale element 66A. The flow rate can be changed by moving the fourth indication element 66C along the scale element 66A.

[0069] The second screen, Q2, displays the setting button 63.

[0070] When the setting button 63 is selected, the second procurement part 56 obtains the current flow rate as the set flow rate of the first solenoid valve 33, where the current flow rate is shown by the third bar 65B, and obtains the current flow rate as the set flow rate of the second solenoid valve 34, where the current flow rate is shown by the fourth bar 66B. Additionally, when the setting button 63 is selected, the first procurement part 55 obtains: the identification information corresponding to a name of the auxiliary attachment, the name being entered into the first input part 60; or the identification information of the auxiliary attachment being entered into the first input part 60.In a case where the identification information is obtained on the basis of the name of the auxiliary implement, the name of the auxiliary implement is provisionally linked to the identification information.

[0071] Output part 51 outputs the following to the working machine 1 (the first communication part 46): the identification information of the attachment, where the identification information is obtained from the first procurement part 55; and the set flow rate, which is obtained from the second procurement part 56. For example, output part 51 outputs the following: the identification information entered into the second screen Q2, where the set flow rate was set by selecting the setting button 63. As described above, the necessary information is entered into the second screen Q2, and the set flow rate corresponding to the identification information is thereby output.

[0072] Additionally, as in the case of the setting level, after the identification information and the setting flow rate have been related to each other, the identification information and the setting flow rate that are related to each other can be output to the first communication part 46.

[0073] For example, by selecting the setting button 63, the relationship part 57 relates the identification information and the setting flow rate to each other. The output part 51 outputs the identification information and the setting flow rate to the first communication part 46, where the identification information and the setting flow rate have been related to each other.

[0074] In the embodiment described above, the identification information and the setting information (the setting level and the setting flow rate) are entered into the first screen Q1 and the second screen Q2, and the entered identification and setting information is thereby sent to the machine 1. The identification information and the setting information (the setting level and the setting flow rate) can be registered on the mobile device 50.

[0075] The mobile device 50 contains a registration part 58. The registration part 58 consists, for example, of an electronic circuit, a computer program, or the like. When the relationship part 57 relates the identification information and the setting information to each other, the registration part 58 stores the identification information and the setting information as the registration information in the second memory part 54 of the mobile device 50, with the identification information and the setting information being related to each other. That is, the registration part 58 allows the mobile device to store the identification information and the setting information that are entered on the first screen Q1 or the second screen Q2, respectively.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the registration part 58 stores the identification information and the setting level as the registration information in the second memory part 54, where the identification information and the setting level are related to each other. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the registration part 58 stores the identification information and the setting level as the registration information in the second memory part 54. Fig. Figure 7 shows that the registration part 58 contains the identification information and the adjustment flow rate as the registration information in the second memory part 54, wherein the identification information and the adjustment flow rate were related to each other.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, after the setting level or setting flow rate is registered, the display unit 53 is able to display a selection screen Q3 showing a list of registered attachments. Even if the setting level or setting flow rate is registered, the mobile device refers to the second memory unit 54 and extracts the registered identification information. The mobile device 50 then displays the identification information and a name of the auxiliary actuator 35 on the selection screen Q3, where the identification information has been registered and the name corresponds to the identification information.

[0078] The selection screen Q3 displays a selection element 67, which is used to select the auxiliary implement. A predetermined implement can then be selected. Once the auxiliary implement has been selected, the mobile device 50 extracts from the second memory element 54: the identification information of the selected auxiliary implement; and the setting level or setting flow rate, each related to the identification information. The second communication element 51 (the output element) sends to the working machine 1 (the control element 41): the setting level or setting flow rate, each extracted; and the identification information.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 41 receives: the setting level or the setting flow rate; and the identification information, wherein the setting level, the setting flow rate, and the identification information were each transmitted by the mobile device 50. Then, if the auxiliary attachment corresponding to the identification information is fitted, the control unit 41 validates the setting level or the setting flow rate that it received. Following this, the control unit 41 outputs the control signal to the first solenoid valve 33 and the second solenoid valve 34 based on the setting level or the setting flow rate that were validated.

[0080] The flow rate setting system of the working machine 1 comprises the control unit 41 and the mobile terminal 50, and the mobile terminal 50 comprises the first procurement unit 55, the second procurement unit 56, and the second communication unit (the output unit) 51. Accordingly, the attachment and the maximum flow rate can be easily set using the mobile terminal 50, with an operator having the attachment at their disposal, and the maximum flow rate being used to operate the attachment. Furthermore, the maximum flow rate can be output to the working machine 1 (the control unit 41), with the maximum flow rate being referenced to the attachment being set, and in this way, the maximum flow rate of the attachment mounted on the working machine 1 can be easily adjusted.

[0081] On the other hand, the attachment can be easily adjusted using the mobile device 50, and the level corresponding to the maximum flow rate can be easily set using the mobile device 50 instead of the maximum flow rate itself, with one operator controlling the attachment. Adjusting the level does not require setting a specific numerical value, unlike setting the maximum flow rate, which is why the adjustment is simpler.For example, when setting the maximum flow rate, the flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid, such as 50 l / min, is required; however, the flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid is displayed in increments as levels, which is why the setting can be made even if a specific flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid is not known. For example, by evenly dividing the maximum flow rate delivered when the actuator is fully actuated and displaying the respective increments as levels, the setting can be made by level.

[0082] Furthermore, even if the level has been set, the level related to the attachment can be output to the working machine 1 (the control unit 41), as can the maximum flow rate, which is why the maximum flow rate of the attachment can also be easily set while the attachment is mounted on the working machine 1. In particular, if the mobile device 50 has the relationship part 57, the identification information and the setting information (the set level and the set flow rate) can be sent in combination, and accordingly, a setting operation can be easily carried out on one side of the working machine 1.

[0083] Additionally, the mobile device 50 contains the registration module 58, allowing the maximum flow rate and level to be recorded for the identification information of the attachments themselves, even in cases where an operator has multiple attachments. Specifically, the operator may have several identical attachments. The maximum flow rate and level can be recorded for each of these attachments, even in cases where the operator has multiple identical attachments.

[0084] The display unit 53 is capable of displaying the following: the identification information and the maximum flow rate referenced to each other by the relationship unit 57; or the name and maximum flow rate of the attachment, obtained from the identification information, where the identification information was referenced to the attachment by the relationship unit 57. Additionally, the display unit 53 is capable of displaying the following: the identification information and the level referenced to each other by the relationship unit 57; or the name and level of the attachment, obtained from the identification information, where the identification information was referenced to the attachment by the relationship unit 57. In this way, the operator can easily know, simply by looking at the display unit 53 of the mobile device 50: the attachment; and the maximum flow rate or the level of the attachment.

[0085] The display unit 53 shows the selection unit 67, which is used to select the attachment. The output unit 51 then outputs the identification information and the maximum flow rate, the identification information corresponding to the attachment selected using the selection unit 67, and the maximum flow rate being relative to the identification information. Alternatively, the output unit 51 outputs the identification information and the level, the identification information corresponding to the attachment selected using the selection unit 67, and the level being relative to the identification information. Accordingly, the maximum flow rate and the level of the attachment can only be set by selecting the attachment shown on the display unit, with the attachment being mounted on the working machine 1. (Second embodiment)

[0086] In the first embodiment, the identification information and the name of the auxiliary attachment are entered into the first screen Q1 and the second screen Q2 during setup. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary attachment is pre-coded with a code, the code being used to read information such as the identification information and the setting level, and the setup is performed by reading the code. The second embodiment of the present invention is described below. In the second embodiment, an explanation of configurations that are the same as those of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0087] A QR code (a registered trademark) is affixed to a surface of the auxiliary attachment, the QR code containing: the identification information of the auxiliary attachment; and the pre-determined setting level. The QR code (a registered trademark) may also contain the setting flow rate instead of the setting level.

[0088] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the mobile device 50 comprises an imaging unit 70 and an extraction unit 71. The imaging unit 70 consists of a CCD camera or the like and is capable of imaging the QR code (a registered trademark). The extraction unit 71 consists of an electronic circuit, a computer program, or the like. The extraction unit 71 extracts: the identification information of the auxiliary attachment; and the adjustment level or adjustment flow rate from an image of the QR code (a registered trademark) imaged by the imaging unit 70.

[0089] The following section explains in detail how to adjust the setting level or the setting flow rate.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, display unit 53 is capable of displaying the third screen Q4. The third screen Q4 is capable of displaying the adjustment level and the adjustment flow rate, depending on what is currently needed.

[0091] The third screen Q4 displays a reading button 73, which is intended for reading the QR code (a registered trademark). When the reading button is selected, the mobile device 50 is switched to a mode for reading the QR code (a registered trademark) and is able to display the QR code (a registered trademark) using the display element 70.

[0092] Extraction part 71 extracts the information contained in the QR code (a registered trademark) after the QR code (a registered trademark) has been scanned. For example, extraction part 71 extracts the setting level (referred to as a standard level) shown in the QR code (a registered trademark) if the QR code (a registered trademark) contains the setting level. Then, when extraction part 71 extracts the standard level, the third screen Q4 displays the first setting part 61 and the second setting part 62. The standard level shown in the QR code (a registered trademark) is then displayed as a current level on the first bar 61B of the first setting part 61 and on the second bar 62B of the second setting part 62.In a case where the reading button 73, displayed on the third screen Q4, is selected, the second procurement part 56 is capable of obtaining the current level (the standard level) shown by the first bar 61B and the current level (the standard level) shown by the second bar 62B. The relationship part 57 relates the identification information of the attachment and the standard level to each other, with the identification information being obtained by the first procurement part 55 and the standard level being obtained by the second procurement part 56.

[0093] The QR code (a registered trademark) contains the information about the pre-defined setting level, i.e., the standard level, before the auxiliary attachment is operated; however, the standard level can be changed in the third screen Q4.

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the third screen, Q4, displays the first data element 61C on the first bar 61B and the second data element 62C on the second bar 62B. As described above, the first data element 61C can be moved along the scale section 61A, and the second data element 62C can be moved along the scale section 62A, thus changing the current level. The current level is changed by using the first data element 61C and the second data element 62C, thereby altering the default level provisionally determined by the QR code (a registered trademark).

[0095] The second embodiment described above explains the setting of the adjustment level, wherein the setting is done by reading the QR code (a registered trademark); however, the adjustment flow rate can be set instead of the adjustment level.

[0096] In a case where the setting flow rate is contained in the QR code (a registered trademark), the setting flow rate (referred to as the standard flow rate) shown in the QR code (a registered trademark) is extracted after the QR code (a registered trademark) has been mapped. Furthermore, in a case where extraction part 71 extracts the standard flow rate, the third screen Q4 displays the third setting part 65 and the fourth setting part 66, as shown in Fig. 12. Then, the standard flow rate shown in the QR code (a registered trademark) is displayed as the current flow rate on the third bar 65B of the third setting part 65 and on the fourth bar 66B of the fourth setting part 66. In a case where the setting button 63, displayed on the third screen Q4, is selected, the second procurement part 56 is capable of obtaining the current flow rate (the standard flow rate) shown by the third bar 65B and the current flow rate (the standard flow rate) shown by the fourth bar 66B. The relationship part 57 relates the attachment identification information and the standard flow rate to each other, with the identification information being obtained by the first procurement part 55 and the standard flow rate being obtained by the second procurement part 56.

[0097] The standard flow rate in the third screen, Q4, can be changed in the same way as the standard level. This shows how in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the third screen, Q4, displays the third data point 65C on the third bar 65B and the fourth data point 66C on the fourth bar 66B. As described above, the third data point 65C and the fourth data point 66C are capable of being moved along the scale section 61A and are capable of changing the current flow rate. The current flow rate is changed by using the third data point 65C and the fourth data point 66C, thereby modifying the default flow rate provisionally determined by the QR code (a registered trademark).

[0098] The imaging unit 70 of the mobile device 50 is capable of displaying not only the QR code (a registered trademark) but also the auxiliary attachment. The image of the auxiliary attachment displayed by the imaging unit 70 can be related to the identification information and the setting level by the relationship unit 57. Additionally, the image of the auxiliary attachment can be related to the identification information and the setting flow rate by the relationship unit 57. For example, if, as described above, the QR code (a registered trademark) is read after the imaging unit 70 has displayed the auxiliary attachment, the third screen Q4 displays the image (a photograph) after it has been displayed, as shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 13 shows that if the setting button 63 is selected in the third screen Q4, the relationship part 57 relates the image displayed in the third screen Q4, the setting information (the setting level and the setting flow rate), and the identification information to each other. The related image, the setting information (the setting level and the setting flow rate), and the identification information are stored as registration information in the second memory part 54.

[0099] In this case, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 14, the selection screen Q3 is capable of displaying a list of registration information (the image, the setting information, and the identification information). In the selection screen Q3, the image displayed on the selection screen Q3 can be selected as the selection part 67, which is used to select the auxiliary attachment. When the image of the auxiliary attachment is selected by tapping or the like, the mobile device 50 extracts from the second memory part 54: the identification information of the auxiliary attachment; and the setting level or setting flow rate, each related to the identification information, the identification information corresponding to the selected image.The second communication part 51 (the output part) sends to the working machine (the control part 41): the setting level or the setting flow rate; as well as the identification information, whereby the setting level or the setting flow rate has been extracted in each case.

[0100] According to the flow rate setting system of the working machine 1, the mobile terminal 50 contains the imaging part 70 and the extraction part 71. In this way, the maximum flow rate and the level of the attachment can be set and recorded simply by using the imaging part 70 to map the code, the code being affixed to the attachment.

[0101] Additionally, the imaging part 70 is capable of displaying the attachment separately from the code (the QR code (a registered trademark)), and the relationship part 57 relates the identification information, the setting information (the setting level and the setting flow rate), and the image of the attachment to each other, the image being obtained from the imaging part 70. In this way, the display part 53 is capable of displaying the image of the attachment; and, for example, the setting information, and an operator is able to adjust the maximum flow rate and level while viewing the image.

[0102] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, all features of the embodiment disclosed in the present application should be considered merely as examples, and the embodiment does not limit the present invention. A scope of the present invention is not shown in the embodiment described above, but in the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within a scope of the claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

[1] Flow rate control system of a working machine (1), comprising: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine (1); a control element (41) configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, wherein the control element (41) is attached to the working machine; a code that displays the identification information of the attachment and information about the maximum flow rate of the attachment, the code being affixed to a surface of the attachment; and a mobile terminal (50) configured to communicate wirelessly, wherein the mobile terminal (50) has: a camera (70); a first procurement part (55) configured to obtain the attachment identification information from an image of the code captured by the camera (70); a second procurement part (56) configured to obtain the maximum flow rate of the attachment from an image of the code taken by the camera (70); and an output part (51) configured to output the identification information and the maximum flow rate in wireless communication to the working machine (1), wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the maximum flow rate was obtained from the second procurement part (56). [2] Flow rate control system of a working machine (1), comprising: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine (1); a control element (41) configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, wherein the control element (41) is mounted on the working machine; and a mobile terminal (50) configured to communicate wirelessly, wherein the mobile terminal (50) has: a first procurement part (55) configured to obtain identification information to identify the attachment; a display unit (53) configured to display a second screen (Q2) for inputting the maximum flow rate of the attachment; a second procurement part (56) configured to procure the maximum flow rate of the attachment, which was entered via the display part (53); and an output part (51) configured to output the identification information and the maximum flow rate in wireless communication to the working machine (1), wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the maximum flow rate was obtained from the second procurement part (56). [3] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile device (50) has: a relationship part (57) configured to relate the attachment identification information and the maximum flow rate, wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the maximum flow rate was obtained from the second procurement part (56), and the output part (51) outputs the identification information and the maximum flow rate, both of which were related to each other by the relationship part (57). [4] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the camera (70) images the attachment separately from the code, and the relationship part (57) relates the identification information, the maximum flow rate and an image of the attachment taken by the camera (70) to each other. [5] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the mobile device (50) has: a registration part (58) configured to register the identification information and the maximum flow rate, and the output part (51) outputs the identification information and the maximum flow rate, each of which was output by the registration part (58). [6] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the mobile device (50) has: a display part (53) configured to display: the identification information and the maximum flow rate, each registered by the registration part (58); or a name of the attachment and the maximum flow rate, each obtained from the identification information, wherein the identification information was related to the maximum flow rate by the relationship part (57). [7] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the display part (53) displays a selection part (67) which is used to select the attachment, and the output part (51) outputs the following: the identification information corresponding to the attachment selected by the selection part (67); and the maximum flow rate that has been correlated with the identification information. [8] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1), comprising: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine (1); a control element (41) configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a level corresponding to a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, wherein the control element (41) is attached to the working machine (1); a code that displays the identification information of the attachment and information about a level of the attachment, the code being affixed to a surface of the attachment; and a mobile terminal (50) configured to communicate wirelessly, wherein the mobile terminal (50) has: a camera (70); a first procurement part (55) configured to obtain the attachment identification information from an image of the code captured by the camera (70); a second procurement part (56) configured to procure the level of the attachment; and an output part (51) configured to output the identification information and the level in the wireless communication to the working machine (1), wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the level was obtained from the second procurement part (56). [9] Flow rate control system of a working machine (1), comprising: an attachment configured to be mounted on the working machine (1); a control element (41) configured to control the flow of a hydraulic operating fluid based on a level corresponding to a maximum flow rate of the hydraulic operating fluid to be supplied to the attachment, the control element (41) being mounted on the working machine (1); and a mobile terminal (50) configured to communicate wirelessly, wherein the mobile terminal (50) has: a first procurement part (55) configured to obtain identification information to identify the attachment; a display unit (53) configured to display a first screen (Q1) for inputting the level of the attachment; a second procurement part (56) configured to procure the level of the attachment, which was entered via the display part (53); and an output part (51) configured to output the identification information and the level in the wireless communication to the working machine (1), wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the level was obtained from the second procurement part (56). [10] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mobile device (50) has: a relationship part (57) configured to relate the attachment identification information and the level to each other, wherein the identification information was obtained from the first procurement part (55) and the level was obtained from the second procurement part (56); and the output part (51) outputs the identification information and the level, both of which were related to each other by the relationship part (57). [11] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine according to claims 8 and 10, wherein the camera (70) images the attachment separately from the code, and the relationship part (57) relates the identification information, the level and an image of the attachment taken by the camera (70) to each other. [12] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 11, wherein the mobile device (50) has: a registration part (58) configured to register the identification information and the level, and the output part (51) outputs the identification information and the level, each of which was output by the registration part (58). [13] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 12, wherein the mobile terminal (50) comprises: a display part (53) configured to display: the identification information and the level, each registered by the registration part (58); or a name of the attachment and the level, each obtained from the identification information, wherein the identification information was related to the level by the relationship part (57). [14] Flow rate adjustment system of a working machine (1) according to claim 13, wherein the display part (53) displays a selection part (67) which is used to select the attachment, and the output part (51) outputs the following: the identification information corresponding to the attachment selected by the selection part (67); and the level that has been related to the identification information.

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