CONSTRUCTION MACHINE, ESPECIALLY EARTHMOVING MACHINE WITH AN OPERATING PANEL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a construction machine, in particular an earthmoving machine with a control panel.

[0002] With increasing technological advancements, the range of functions in the control systems of modern construction machinery will steadily grow. While the operator will receive better support through increased automation, the control panel will also become increasingly complex and ultimately more confusing.

[0003] Consider, for example, an existing construction machine in the form of a hydraulic excavator. The operator's cab typically has two control handles located to the right and left of the driver's seat. In addition, a large number of other controls, such as buttons or switches, are located within easy reach of the driver's seat, particularly on the control console or the right side panel. Ideally, the controls would be arranged in positions within the cab that are easily accessible to the operator, but this will likely become increasingly difficult due to the growing number of controls. As a result, a somewhat scattered arrangement of controls must be accepted.

[0004] The buttons / switches are usually designed as membrane keypads or finger-operated switches. To indicate their assigned function, the controls are printed with defined symbols or have appropriate labels located in close proximity to them. Feedback after activation of the individual controls is provided solely in the form of light effects.

[0005] The function assignment as well as the arrangement of the controls is fixed and can only be changed with great effort, if at all.

[0006] Prior art documents mentioned during the patent granting procedure include: US 2014 / 297160 A1 and DE 10 2012 014655 A1.

[0007] The inventors recognized the problem described above and set themselves the task of developing a novel concept for a control panel for construction machinery that would overcome the aforementioned problems. This task is solved by a construction machine with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the construction machine are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a construction machine, in particular an earthmoving machine, most preferably an excavator, for example in the form of a hydraulic excavator, is proposed, with at least one control panel for inputting operator commands for controlling the construction machine. The core of the invention is the equipping of the control panel with at least one display device that shows a dynamically generated user interface for machine control. A control unit is also provided for controlling this display device, which detects a change in the operating mode of the construction machine and adjusts the user interface accordingly, depending on the change in operating mode.

[0009] This constructive solution therefore offers the possibility of providing a compact control panel that dynamically generates a suitable user interface for controlling the machine, depending on the device mode, i.e., depending on the work processes to be carried out.

[0010] The generated user interface is preferably a graphical user interface, in particular with one or more graphical operating symbols, e.g., in the form of switches, buttons, or other control elements, and / or with switch or button labels. The operator is thus dynamically offered a limited selection of functions or control commands adapted to the respective operating mode. The control unit therefore determines, before the actual generation of the user interface, which functions and control commands are permitted or even useful for the respective operating mode.

[0011] Other controls that have no relevant function for the current device mode or work process are either specially marked, hidden, or not displayed at all to optimize the clarity of the control panel.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the display element of the control panel is a touch-sensitive display. The controls represented by the user interface are therefore activated by touching the respective position on the display element. The touch display can be a multi-touch display.

[0013] It is also conceivable that the control panel includes one or more real control elements, the labeling of which can be changed by means of the display device and consequently also their function assignment by the control unit.

[0014] The control panel may still include at least one information display element that does not output any operating elements but is solely intended for informational purposes. However, this informative display element can also be part of the display device for showing dynamic operating elements.

[0015] Information is also displayed via a graphical user interface, which arranges one or more information fields in an organized manner across the available display area. The control unit can also be configured to dynamically adapt or generate the user interface of the information display element depending on the detected device mode. Here, too, for example, only information fields relevant to the respective device mode can be displayed.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating mode of the construction machine is, for example, regular work operation, such as regular excavator operation in the case of an excavator. Another operating mode can be the driving mode of the construction machine, enabling it not only to move around the construction site but also to travel on public roads. Furthermore, a maintenance or testing mode can also be considered an operating mode.

[0017] In view of the aforementioned different operating modes, it can therefore be useful to display the corresponding controls for regular digging operation on the control panel's display element during the active "working" mode and to make them available for function call-up. The same applies to the information display element. If the operator then switches to driving mode, the control panel's display element shows the corresponding controls for moving the construction machine on the construction site or in road traffic, and the information display element shows, for example, driving information such as the current speed, navigation data, etc.

[0018] The same applies in an appropriate manner to the device mode of maintenance or test operation.

[0019] This approach has the advantage that the operator quickly receives a clear overview of the available controls in the respective device mode. Likewise, the invention also reduces the risk of operating errors, since the controls and corresponding functions not required in the respective device mode are hidden and therefore not available for selection and operation.

[0020] The dynamic generation of the user interface, i.e., the display of any operating elements or purely informational displays, can be based not only on the current operating mode of the construction machine, but the control unit can also detect changes in the machine's state and dynamically adapt the user interface accordingly. One possible state could be, for example, the machine's configuration. In the case of an excavator, this could mean the mounting of the appropriate attachment. Depending on the mounted attachment, the corresponding operating elements for controlling the attachment are then displayed on the control panel. For example, the control unit can detect a tool change on the construction machine and subsequently adjust the user interface of the display accordingly. The same applies to the semi-automated activation of a tool check or a lighting control.

[0021] A device or machine condition that triggers an adjustment of the user interface can, for example, be a deviation between the target and actual values ​​of any control loop of the construction machine. A corresponding climate control system in the construction machine cab serves as an example. If the control unit detects a deviation between the target and actual interior temperature of the cab, it can automatically display the corresponding climate control controls to alert the operator to this issue and offer appropriate controls for readjustment.

[0022] According to the invention, the control unit automatically or semi-automatically detects changes in the prevailing environmental conditions. Depending on the detected changes, the dynamically generated user interface of the display or the information display element can then be adjusted. It is conceivable that, depending on twilight, precipitation, or temperature values, appropriate control elements could be displayed. Ideally, from a certain twilight level, control elements for the construction machine's lighting could be displayed. Certain precipitation levels would trigger the display of control elements for a windshield wiper system, while at corresponding outside temperatures, control elements for the driver's cab climate control would be displayed.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to recognize specific manual user inputs and adjust the user interface of the display accordingly. These specific user inputs are defined as inputs not made via the user interface, but rather, for example, via an external fixed control element. Specifically, this includes inputs via master controls, such as the sensors located next to the driver's seat.

[0024] For example, if the operator activates a permanently installed transmitter to which a specific function such as controlling the support is assigned, the displayed user interface or the display on the information display element is automatically adapted to the process of operating the support.

[0025] A multitude of factors have been mentioned above that are evaluated and considered by the control unit in order to dynamically generate a corresponding user interface. It can be advantageous to weight these factors differently when adapting the user interface or the display on the information element, in order to control their influence on the respective adaptation. It makes sense for the control unit to assign a higher priority to a change in the operating mode than to the other influencing factors.

[0026] Furthermore, it is planned that both the control panel display and any information display element will provide customizable display areas. This allows the visual presentation to be adapted to the individual user needs. This can be based on storing user profiles in the control unit or in an externally accessible memory. It is also advisable to equip the control unit or the construction machine with authentication methods that, after successful user authentication, automatically retrieve the assigned user profile and adjust the user interface and / or the display on the information element according to the profile settings.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention involves actively supporting the user when switching between different operating modes. Generally, activating a specific operating mode requires certain presets on the construction machine. These presets, which must be checked and monitored, include any machine settings and parameters, as well as specific position data and orientations of individual machine components. After a user requests to switch to a different operating mode, the control unit automatically checks the mode-relevant presets. Depending on the test results, a correction process can advantageously be triggered to adjust the detected presets. This correction process actively notifies the user of the necessary correction to the respective preset, for example.through visual prompts and ideally appropriate display of the required controls, or the control unit can automatically make the correction and inform the user about the correction if necessary.

[0028] For example, to activate "road driving" mode on a mobile excavator, the upper structure must first be aligned and then the slewing mechanism locked. In this case, the control unit actively prompts the user to move the upper structure to the corresponding position. If the user complies with this prompt, the control unit can then automatically lock the slewing mechanism.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the construction machine, in particular the control unit, can be equipped with at least one interface for communication with at least one mobile device. The interface is particularly preferably used for communication with so-called wearables.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the construction machine, in particular its control unit, detects the current position of the connected mobile device, at least within the immediate working environment of the construction machine. This detected current position can then be taken into account in the machine control, preferably in the control of any machine actuators, in order to eliminate the risk of collision between machine components and a person carrying the mobile device. It is also conceivable that the control unit is configured to display the position of all mobile devices connected via the interface to the operator of the construction machine via a display element.

[0031] It is also conceivable that remote access to the user interface displayed on the display device can be achieved using the paired mobile devices.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. The figures show: Figure 1: A block diagram illustrating the prioritization of influencing factors for the dynamic generation of the user interface; Figure 2: A block diagram illustrating the process for querying device dependencies during a mode change; Figure 3: A block diagram according to the Figure 2 for a specific mode change between working mode and driving mode and Figure 4: different screenshots of the display element of the control panel. Based on the following Figure 1 The construction machine according to the invention and the behavior of the novel control panel should be illustrated.

[0033] As described in detail above, the core concept of the invention is a dynamically generated user interface. A large portion of the function keys for controlling the construction machine, which are otherwise implemented in hardware, are now simulated by means of a graphical user interface. This interface displays the relevant controls depending on the operating mode, machine status, and other influencing factors. The displayed controls are limited to the functions relevant to the work process being performed. This makes the entire control panel not only clearer and easier to use for the machine operator, as the reduced number of controls can be positioned at the operator's optimal point of access, but also significantly improves operational safety by reducing the likelihood of unintentional input errors.

[0034] The control panel includes a display element in the form of a touch-sensitive touchscreen, which serves to display a graphical user interface. Furthermore, an information display is provided that shows the operator only machine data. The invention, and in particular the control unit, ensures that both the user interface on the touchscreen and the information display are adapted during operation according to the work process and the machine's status.

[0035] Both the information display and the touchscreen for operation are clearly visible to the operator within the construction machine cab. The touchscreen, in particular, is ergonomically positioned for the operator. The information display and touchscreen can be separate or implemented as a single, compact unit. A removable solution for both units is also possible.

[0036] The information display and user interface of the touchscreen can be easily retrofitted and expanded to include newly implemented functions (e.g., recognition of a new attachment). Both elements can also provide customizable sections in the display and the user interface, which can be configured and saved for different operators according to their individual preferences. In this case, it is advantageous for the operator to be entered manually or automatically detected. Ideally, the personalized settings are recognized and made available across all devices.

[0037] A special aspect of the invention is that the operation is structured and, according to certain priorities, only the operating and setting options relevant to the respective work process are made available.

[0038] The prioritization of the individual influencing factors for the dynamic generation of the user interface as well as the graphical design of the information display is described in Figure 1 This is further clarified. At the beginning of the process, the operator of the construction machine is authenticated. For the exemplary embodiment described below, we assume an excavator as the construction machine, which has a crane cab with the control panel according to the invention. After appropriate user authentication, which is carried out, for example, via a wireless communication interface between the control unit and a wearable device, a corresponding user profile stored in the control unit is loaded and subsequently used for all generation of the user interface. If the user is previously unknown, a new profile can first be created.

[0039] The control unit then checks which device mode is currently active and whether a switch between device modes is requested. For the selected device mode, here Mode 1, 2, or 3, the relevant functions for operating the construction machine in that mode are determined and grouped. The necessary prerequisites for the respective mode are also checked. The latter will be discussed later with reference to the Figure 2 or 3 This is explained in detail. For example, an operating mode can encompass regular work operation (e.g., digging operation on an excavator). After selecting the appropriate mode, suitable controls are displayed on the control panel's touchscreen. A screenshot of a possible user interface is included in Figure 4aEach box can be selected via touch input, and the associated function can be accessed. The associated functions are self-explanatory thanks to appropriate symbols.

[0040] A second mode could, for example, be road driving. After selecting the appropriate mode, the following could then be displayed on the touchscreen: Figure 4b The user interface shown here is displayed as an example. A clear difference is noticeable in terms of the number of controls and their assigned functions.

[0041] In the next step, after activating the respective mode, the control unit can query whether any other influencing factors exist that affect the dynamic generation of the user interface or the information display. Examples of triggering factors include maintenance, operation, or environment. The first is detected by a maintenance request from the operator, for example, by pressing a corresponding switch or connecting a maintenance device to a designated interface. If a maintenance request is present, the user interface is immediately adapted to the maintenance task by displaying the necessary controls for performing the maintenance work.

[0042] If a corresponding maintenance request is not detected, the control unit further checks whether specific user input is present. This includes, for example, the activation of a master control element, such as a gripper for controlling individual actuators of the construction machine, in particular the activation of the digging system, or generally the calling up of new work orders. In the event of a positive check, the appropriate user interface is generated immediately. An example of the then displayed user interface or the display on the information screen is shown in Figure 4c This is displayed immediately when the excavator operator activates a master control element for the excavator outriggers.

[0043] An automatic adjustment of the user interface could also occur when a change in the excavator's status is detected. This is the case, for example, when changing tools. The resulting user interface is shown in Figure 4d, which displays a change to the boom to the user and simultaneously allows them to adjust certain machine settings to the new tool.

[0044] If the control unit cannot detect corresponding user inputs, it checks for relevant environmental influences and adjusts the user interface accordingly. This includes, for example, ambient light levels detected by sensors, current precipitation, and the ambient or cabin temperature. If necessary, the user interface can be supplemented with controls for the lights, windshield wipers, or cabin climate.

[0045] Figure 2This section illustrates the process for checking any device dependencies during a mode change. For example, the control unit recognizes that the user intends to change the device mode from Mode A to Mode B. In this case, the control unit checks any device settings, orientations, or parameters to ensure they meet the requirements for switching to Mode B. The check begins with device dependency A. If the assigned value A does not meet the requirements for a mode change, the operator is notified and prompted to correct it, preferably by displaying the appropriate controls. After successful operator interaction, the next device dependency B is checked analogously and corrected if necessary.Once all device dependencies are met, the mode change can be completed and the user interface can be adapted to the new mode.

[0046] A concrete example of such a mode change in an excavator is in Figure 3 As shown. Here, the excavator is to be switched from "Work" mode to "Road" mode. In "Work" mode, there are mode-specific device settings. For example, the servo circuit must be activated, the automatic pendulum axle control must be active, and the corresponding display on the control panel must be set to "Work" mode (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 4aIf a request to change mode is detected, the control unit first checks the orientation of the superstructure, in particular whether the rotational position of the superstructure meets the requirements for road travel. If, for example, the superstructure angle deviates from the specified rotational angle, a corresponding prompt is sent to the operator (see...). Figure 4e The control unit continuously monitors whether the excavator operator is executing the corresponding commands, i.e., operating the servo controls to align the upper structure. Once the upper structure alignment requirement is met, the control unit can automatically lock the slewing brake.

[0047] In the next step, the control unit checks the next equipment status, namely the orientation of the equipment or attachment. If the equipment or attachment is correctly oriented for road travel, or if the operator has aligned it by actuating it after being prompted by the control unit, the control unit can lock the servo control and then check whether the operator has fastened their seatbelt for road travel. If this is also answered positively, the excavator is finally switched to road travel mode and the corresponding user interface is generated on the control panel display. Figure 4b ).

[0048] Further specific device settings can also be adjusted via the pre-selection of modes, such as the steering angle resolution, reassignment of a transmitter, etc.

[0049] Certain individual functions can also be operated in conjunction. For example, after parking and activating the parking brake, the ambient and access lighting can also be activated, the equipment can be depressurized, etc.

[0050] All functions that are identical across different devices can also be operated from the same location. Numerous options also arise in the graphical design of the controls on the user interface. For example, the specific visual design of the control holograms can indicate different levels of user experience and work processes. See illustrations 4f and 4g as purely illustrative examples. A simple on / off function, for instance, is represented by a rectangular hologram with beveled edges ( Figure 4f ). Round controls can include additional settings besides the activation / deactivation function ( Figure 4fBy varying the duration of the control's operation, different functions of the control can be accessed. For example, a short press activates / deactivates the assigned function, while a long press can access a submenu or substructure.

[0051] Similarly, an elongated, rectangular shape of the control element can indicate underlying logic, such as the automatic detection of onset dusk ( Figure 4gDepending on the settings, the assigned function can be executed automatically, or the user may simply receive a notification indicating that a setting change is necessary. All controls are equipped with clear status visualizations where needed; in particular, schematic device diagrams are used to present warnings, notifications, and functionality more easily and understandably. The status of each function can be displayed directly on the control itself, for example, using animated frames (see below). Figure 4g ), use of different colors, additions with symbols (see e.g. lock symbol or arrows in Figure 4d )

[0052] In addition to the operator display units, mobile devices such as wearables can also be used by personnel involved in the operation. These wearables can be permanently connected to the construction machine via a contactless interface, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The machine can then detect the position of the wearables, and thus the personnel involved, in the immediate vicinity of the equipment, enabling early detection of potential collisions during operation. Furthermore, the positions of the construction site personnel can be displayed to the cab occupant, for example, via a top-down view of the equipment with superimposed person icons.

[0053] The wearables also serve as a communication interface between all personnel involved in the workplace, and, if necessary, limited access to device operation can be granted via the wearable, such as triggering an emergency stop in a hazardous situation (e.g., a person monitoring the excavation process and detects a collision with an underground cable). The wearable should automatically pair with the nearest piece of equipment, with different functionalities available depending on the equipment.

Claims

1. Construction machine, in particular an earth-moving machine, having at least one control panel for inputting operator commands for the control of the construction machine, wherein the control panel comprises at least one display means for presenting an operator interface that can be dynamically generated for the machine control; a control unit is provided, which recognizes a change of the mode of operation of the construction machine between a working operation, a travel operation, or a service or test operation and adapts the operating interface depending on the change of the mode of operation, the control unit is further configured to identify which functions and control commands are authorized or reasonable for the respective mode of operation, and generates a user interface with a restricted selection of operating elements adapted to the recognized mode of operation for executing the identified functions and control commands, characterized in that the control unit is configured to recognize changes of the environmental conditions, in particular to detect these using a sensor system, and to adapt the operating interface presented by means of the display element depending on the recognized change to the environmental conditions.

2. Construction machine in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the display means is a touch-sensitive display element and / or a fixed operating field having adaptable designations of the operating elements of the operating field.

3. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to recognize changes of the machine state, in particular to detect these using a sensor system, and adapts the operating interface presented by means of the display element depending on the recognized state change.

4. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to recognize manual user inputs, in particular to recognize operating inputs made by means of one or more master elements, and adapts the operating interface presented by means of the display element depending on the recognized operating input.

5. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to carry out an adaptation of the operating interface to the extent that only the operating elements and setting options relevant in the recognized mode of operation and / or work process are displayed.

6. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to prioritize the mode of operation, the machine state, the operating inputs, and the environmental influences and to take account of these factors depending on their priority for the adaptation of the operating interface, wherein the highest priority preferably is associated with the mode of operation.

7. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for user authentication are provided; and in that the control unit is configured to adapt the operating interface depending on a profile stored for the authenticated operator.

8. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information display element for presenting possible machine information is provided that is a component of the control panel or is designed as a separate element, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the information displayed on the information display element depending on the active mode of operation and / or on the unit state and / or on the authenticated user and / or on environmental influences and / or on operating inputs that have been made.

9. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to detect a mode of operation triggered at the operator side and checks specific machine settings and / or unit orientations and / or machine parameters depending on the mode change and triggers a subsequent correction process for their adaptation as necessary.

10. Construction machine in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the control unit is configured to adapt at least some of the machine settings and / or unit orientations and / or machine parameters in an automated or semi-automated manner during a correction process and / or to prompt the operator to manually adapt at least some of the machine settings and / or unit orientations and / or machine parameters.

11. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction machine, in particular the control unit, has an interface for the communication with at least one mobile device, in particular a wearable.

12. Construction machine in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the construction machine, in particular the control unit, detects the current position of the mobile device, in particular of the wearable, at least in the direct working environment of the construction machine and takes it into account in the machine control, in particular the control of any machine actuators, to avoid collisions between machine components and a person carrying the mobile device, wherein the control unit further preferably is configured to display the position of the mobile devices coupled via the interface via a display element.

13. Construction machine in accordance with any one of the claims 11 or 12, characterized in that remote access to the operating interface displayed on the display means is possible by means of the mobile device.