SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING AUXILIARY DEVICES ON A WORK MACHINE - Patent application

Abstract

A system and method for implementing an auxiliary device on a work machine is provided. The assembly for the work machine (1) includes a control lever (31) including a first switch (73) activated and arranged to control the work machine (1) and a second switch (74) that is factory-disabled, a first port (41) electrically coupled to the second switch (74) of the control lever (31), a second port (42) coupled to a power source of the work machine (1), and a processing circuit (32). The processing circuit (32) is configured to receive, from the input device (31), a request for setting, on the work machine (1), an auxiliary device (39) that is detachably attached to the work machine (1) after shipment from a factory, assign the first port (41) to the second switch (74) of the operating lever (31) in order to control the auxiliary device (39), assign the second port (42) to the auxiliary device (39) in order to supply power to the auxiliary device (39), and set configuration information for the auxiliary device (39) based on input information from the input device (31).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines having a joystick for control, systems, assemblies and methods thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Some types of construction machines are equipped with an operating lever (e.g., a joystick) having a plurality of switches for controlling the machine. However, with conventional operating levers installed on construction machines, unless the additional auxiliary device is an optional item of the construction machine manufacturer and the additional function is built in beforehand at the time of manufacturing the construction machine, it may be difficult for the customer of the construction machine to newly install a switch on the operating lever for the additional function of the additional auxiliary device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JPH11161357A ("JP"357 publication") describes a simple mechanism that can be attached to and detached from an operating lever by providing a holding means for holding a switch to open and close a circuit, and a fixing means for fixing the holding means to an operating lever. According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to add a new switch to the outer periphery of the operating lever.

[0004] However, in order to improve work efficiency, it is desirable for a machine operator to be able to operate additional auxiliary devices at hand without having to re-grasp the operating lever or change his or her line of sight. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an assembly for a work machine is described or provided, the assembly for the work machine including a control lever including a first switch activated and arranged to control the work machine and a second switch that is factory inactivated, a first port electrically coupled to the second switch of the control lever, a second port electrically coupled to a power source of the work machine, and a processing circuit, the processing circuit configured to receive a request from an input device to configure an auxiliary device on the work machine, the auxiliary device being removably attached to the work machine after factory shipment, assign the first port to the second switch of the control lever to control the auxiliary device, assign the second port to the auxiliary device to provide power to the auxiliary device, and set configuration information for the auxiliary device based on the input information from the input device.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for a work machine is disclosed or implemented, the method may include receiving a request from an input device to configure the work machine with an auxiliary device that is removably attached to the work machine after shipment from a factory, assigning a first port to a second switch of a control lever to control the auxiliary device, the control lever including a first switch activated and configured to control the work machine and a second switch that is deactivated at the factory, the first port being electrically coupled to the second switch of the control lever, assigning a second port to the auxiliary device to supply power to the auxiliary device, the second port being coupled to a power source of the work machine, and setting configuration information for the auxiliary device based on input information from the input device.

[0007] In another aspect, a work machine is disclosed or provided. The work machine may include a body of the work machine, a joystick device including a first switch activated and arranged to control the work machine and a second switch that is factory inactivated, a display means for displaying control information of the work machine to an operator, a control panel including a first port electrically coupled to the second switch of the joystick device and a second port coupled to a power source mounted on the body of the work machine, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a request from an input device to configure an auxiliary device on the work machine, the auxiliary device being removably attached to the work machine after shipment from the factory, assign the first port to the second switch of the joystick device to control the auxiliary device, assign the second port to the auxiliary device to supply power to the auxiliary device, and set configuration information for the auxiliary device based on the input information from the input device.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an excavator as an example of a work machine according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cab of the work machine of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system that may be implemented on a work machine in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rear portion of a cab according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 5] 5 shows a front view of the rear panel of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view of a joystick according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a flowchart illustrating the configuration of an auxiliary device on a joystick according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitor when placing an auxiliary device on a joystick according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitor when placing a configuration of auxiliary devices on a joystick according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines having a joystick for control, systems, assemblies, and methods thereof. Generally, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may implement auxiliary relays for selected add-on devices, and power to the add-on devices that may pass through the auxiliary relays may be individually controlled by an operator interface (e.g., one or more buttons) on the joystick.

[0011] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a hydraulic excavator as a work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, but the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. The work machine 1 can have an upper rotating body 13 rotatably provided as a machine body via a slewing bearing part 12 on a lower traveling body 11. A cab 14 may be provided on the front side of the upper rotating body 13, and a driver's seat, an operation lever, and the like may be provided in the cab 14. In addition, an excavation boom 15 may be attached to the other side of the front part of the upper rotating body 13. An engine and a power device such as a hydraulic pump driven by the engine are mounted on the rear of the upper rotating body 13, and are covered with a power device cover 16.

[0012] Fig. 2 shows an example of the inside of the cab 14 of the work machine 1 shown in Fig. 1. The cab 14 may include a driver's seat 21, a monitor 22, and an operating lever 23. The operator of the work machine 1 can receive various information displayed on the monitor 22 and appropriately control the work machine 1 via the operating lever 23.

[0013] A rear cover panel 24 is attached to the rear of the cab 14 behind the driver's seat 21. In an embodiment, a rear panel 40 including a relay device and a connection cable according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be disposed inside the rear cover panel 24. Details of the rear panel 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4-5.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter that can be implemented on a work machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. It should be noted that FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a foreground providing add-on devices (e.g., auxiliary devices) that can be added after being fully manufactured by a manufacturer, and that can be individually powered via an add-on auxiliary relay under the control of a joystick device. The system can be provided, for example, mounted on a panel of the cab 14, for example, on the rear panel of the cab 14. Non-limiting examples of auxiliary devices include microphones, lights (e.g., beacon lights), CB radios, water sprinklers, etc. According to one or more embodiments, the system can have four or fewer channels, and therefore the system can include four or fewer add-on devices.

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems, a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a plurality of auxiliary switches on an operating lever for operating additional auxiliary devices that are not installed at the time of manufacturing the work machine 1. In one embodiment, the work machine 1 includes, for example, a joystick device 31 as an operating lever, a primary ECM (electrical control module) 32, a relay device (e.g., SSDM: solid-state drive module) 33, one or more relay devices 34, a monitor 35, a CRM (CAN (controller local area network) radio module) 36, and a speaker 37. The work machine 1 is communicatively connected to an auxiliary device 39 (or a plurality of auxiliary devices). The work machine 1 can also be communicatively connected to a mobile device 38, such as a smartphone, via radio communication such as short-range communication (e.g., LAN, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0016] In this embodiment, an operator of the work machine 1 can install the auxiliary devices 39 on the work machine 1 after purchase. For example, the operator may want to install customer devices such as a beacon light, a Citizens Band (CB) radio, and a water sprinkler as one or more auxiliary devices 39. In order to control the auxiliary devices 39 without attaching an additional structure to the joystick device 31, the work machine 1 can be equipped with a relay device 33 and one or more relay devices 34 with a connecting cable at the factory.

[0017] For example, as shown in Figure 3, two sets of relay devices 34 and corresponding connecting cables (indicated by arrows) may be provided to support two auxiliary devices 39, each controlled by a specific switch on each joystick device 31. As noted above, each auxiliary device 39 may be added to the work machine 1 after shipment from the manufacturer.

[0018] Power may be provided to the auxiliary device 39 from the relay device 33 via the power channel, and electrical signals may be transmitted between the relay device 33 and the auxiliary device 39 via the relay channel and the relay device 34. When the auxiliary device 39 is connected to a service power port and a service switch port, respectively, on a panel in the cab 14 of the work machine 1, and a connection between the relay device 33 and the auxiliary device 39 is established, for example, by an operator, the primary ECM 32 may assign the service power port and the service switch port corresponding to the auxiliary device 39 to one of the specific switches of the joystick device 31. Such a specific switch may be referred to as a reserve switch and may not be associated with an auxiliary device or other devices at the time of manufacture of the work machine 1. Conversely, as discussed, such reserve switches may be individually assigned (or reassigned) to each auxiliary device 39 that may be added to the work machine 1, for example, after the work machine 1 has been manufactured and delivered to an initial customer.

[0019] The primary ECM 32 may be electrically connected to the monitor 35 via a local CAN. The primary ECM 32 may set identification information of the auxiliary device 39 based on, for example, a “user defined name” input sent from the monitor 35. Similarly, the primary ECM 32 may set configuration information of the auxiliary device 39 based on a “joystick configuration” input sent from the monitor 35.

[0020] Additionally, to receive further configuration information from input via the joystick device 31 and / or monitor 35, the primary ECM 32 can control the monitor 35 to display selectable information on the monitor 35. For example, the primary ECM 32 can control the monitor 35 to display selectable fields such as "Button Press Flag," "Message Flag," "Mute Flag," "Beep Flag," etc. More specifically, as an example, when the operator uses the joystick device 31 to select "Message Flag" to "Enable," the primary ECM 32 can set the function accordingly.

[0021] And, in response to a signal sent from the joystick device 31 to the main ECM 32, the primary ECM 32 can send a drive command to the relay device 33 to control a corresponding auxiliary device 39. The primary ECM 32 can receive an "error flag" from the relay device 33 if a fault occurs at any point between the relay device 33 and one or more auxiliary devices 39.

[0022] The CRM 36 may be electrically connected to the speaker 37 and the monitor 35 via the local CAN. When the primary ECM 32 sends a "mute flag" to the CRM 36 via the monitor 35 and the local CAN, the CRM 36 can control the speaker 37 to mute the audio. The CRM 36 can also communicate over the radio (e.g., via Bluetooth) with the mobile device 38 and control the mobile device 38 to mute the audio of the microphone of the mobile device 38.

[0023] It should be noted that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific number of sets of relay devices 34 and connecting cables shown in Figure 2. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include more switches, relay devices 34 and sets of connecting cables on the joystick device 31 to control additional auxiliary devices 39.

[0024] Next, as shown in Figures 4-5, the relay device 34 and the connection cables 4-5 may be disposed on a rear panel 40 within the rear cover panel 24 of the cab 14. This may allow relatively easy access for configuring a system for one or more auxiliary devices 39.

[0025] 4 shows a perspective view of the rear of the cab 14 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, with the rear cover plate 24 removed in order to illustrate the interior.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the rear panel 40 can be attached to the rear of the cab 14. The relay device 33 and the relay device 34 can be arranged on the actual panel together with other components. The relay device 33 and the relay device 34 and other configurations will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of the rear panel 40 at the rear of FIG. 4, showing an example of the arrangement of the relay modules and the connection cables on the rear panel 40 of the cab 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the relay device 33 and the relay device 34 can be arranged on the rear panel 40. As an example, according to one or more embodiments, four ports may be arranged on the rear panel 40. The first port 41 and the second port 42 may be switching ports and may be connected to the relay device 34 via connection cables, respectively. The third port 43 and the fourth port 44 may be power ports and may be connected to the relay device 33 via power cables, respectively. For example, a harness cable 45 may have one end connected to the four ports and the other end connected to another cable capable of connecting an electric wire from the rear panel 40 in the cab 14 to the outer surface of the cab 14.

[0028] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific configuration of relay modules and ports as shown in Figure 5. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include sets of relay devices 34 and connecting cables to control more switches on the joystick device 31 and more auxiliary devices 39 on the rear panel 40.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system 61 of the work machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the information processing system 61 may include an input unit 62, a communication unit 63, a storage unit 64, a display unit 65, an audio unit 66, a sensor unit 67, and a control unit 68.

[0030] The input unit 62 may have a function of receiving input of operation information from a user of the information processing system 61. In this embodiment, the input unit 62 can be implemented as the joystick device 31 shown in FIG. 3 or a switch or keyboard of the touch panel of the monitor 35 shown in FIG.

[0031] The communication unit 63 may have a communication interface having functions as a transmitter and a receiver for communicating with an external device based on the control from the control unit 68. In this embodiment, the communication unit 63 can be configured using a communication device such as a local CAN, a wired or radio LAN, a Bluetooth communication card, a communication router, a communication modem, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0032] The storage unit 64 may have a function of storing various information used by the control unit 68. For example, the storage unit 64 can store selection information and configuration information of the auxiliary device acquired by the input unit 62. The storage unit 64 can be configured using a storage device such as a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or an optical storage device.

[0033] The display unit 65 may have a function of displaying various information based on the control from the control unit 68. For example, the display unit 65 can display selection information and configuration information of the auxiliary device acquired by the input unit 62. The display unit 65 can be configured using a display device such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 65 can be implemented as the monitor 35 shown in FIG. 3, and can also include a touch panel for inputting information to the control unit 68.

[0034] The audio unit 66 may have a function of outputting sound based on control from the control unit 68. In this embodiment, the audio unit 66 may be implemented as a horn or speaker 37 of the work machine 1 as shown in FIG.

[0035] The sensor unit 67 is capable of detecting various types of information about the work machine 1. As the sensor unit 67, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor (including an acceleration sensor, a gravity detection sensor, and a fall detection sensor) or a three-axis gyro sensor (including an angular velocity sensor and a geomagnetic sensor) can be used.

[0036] The control unit 68 may have a function of controlling the operation of the entire information processing system 61 (i.e., the work machine 1). For example, the control unit 68 can control the operation of the work machine 1 based on operation information output from the input unit 62. The control unit 68 may include a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 68 may be implemented in the primary ECM 32 or in a combination of the primary ECM 32 and other modules of the work machine 1.

[0037] In an exemplary implementation, the information processing system 61 of the work machine 1, or a portion thereof, can be implemented using a circuit or processing circuit that can include a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC ("Application Specific Integrated Circuit"), a CPU (Central Processing Device), a microprocessing device (MPU), a conventional circuit configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions, and / or a combination thereof. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits therein. A processor can be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to perform or perform the described functions. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the described functions. When the hardware is a processor, which can be considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or the processor.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a joystick exemplified as the operating lever 23 in FIG. 2 and the joystick device 31 in FIG.

[0039] The operator can hold the operating lever 71 so that the thumb of the right hand (or left hand) is located forward of the tip of the operating lever 71 and the fingers of the other hand are located behind the center of the operating lever 71. The function as a left joystick for the left hand will be described in detail below. A slide switch 72, a first switch 73, and a second switch 74 are arranged in front of the operating lever 71.

[0040] The slide switch 72, the first switch 73, and the second switch 74 are disposed within a predetermined range in front of the operating lever 71 so that the operator can press them with the thumb of the hand gripping the operating lever 71. In other words, the operator can hold the operating lever 71 while simultaneously operating the switches without releasing the operating lever 71.

[0041] The operator can operate the slide switch 72 by sliding the slide switch 72, for example, horizontally, and can operate the work implement (for example, tilt a tilt bucket) attached to the tip of the boom 15 shown in Fig. 1 with the thumb of the hand holding the operation lever 71. The slide switch 72 can also be used for settings such as changing the target height of the system depending on the type and configuration of the work machine 1.

[0042] An operator can operate the first switch 73 by pressing it with his thumb. In this embodiment, the first switch 73 is for controlling a horn speaker (for example, a warning sound) that is pre-installed when the work machine 1 is manufactured, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The operator may operate the second switch 74 by pressing it with a thumb. In this embodiment, the second switch 74 may be for controlling an auxiliary device, as described above as the auxiliary device 39 shown in FIG. 3, that is not installed at the time of manufacture of the work machine 1. Although only one second switch 74 is shown here, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited and may include multiple switches for multiple auxiliary devices 39 that are installed after the time of manufacture of the work machine 1. Thus, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the particular arrangement of switches on the joystick as shown in FIG. 7. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may place the switches in different positions (e.g., a slide switch may be vertically positioned) or may include more switches on the joystick for other functions of the work machine 1.

[0044] 8 is a flowchart for placing an auxiliary device on a joystick in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The control unit 68 can receive a request to place an auxiliary device (or multiple devices) that can be sent from the input unit 62 (S81). For example, in step S81, the control unit 68 can accept a request to place an auxiliary device on the input unit 62 from the joystick device 31 shown in FIG. 3 or the touch panel of the monitor 35 shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] Next, in step S82, the control unit 68 can assign a service switching port and a service power port corresponding to the auxiliary device 39 to any of the switches of the joystick device 31 based on the selection information from the input unit 62. For example, in step S82, the control unit 68 can assign the first port 41 as a service switching port and the third port 43 as a service power port as shown in Fig. 4, thereby assigning the first port 41 to the second switch 74 of the joystick to control a CB radio as the auxiliary device 39 as shown in Fig. 7.

[0046] Next, in step S83, the control unit 68 can set the configuration information of the assigned auxiliary device 39 based on the input information from the input unit 62. For example, in step S83, the control unit 68 can set "user-defined name", "output start setting", "switching mode", "status mode", "status sound type", and / or "mute Bluetooth and speaker" as the configuration information of the assigned auxiliary device 39. More specifically, for example, the control unit 68 can set "momentary" of the "switching mode" of the second switch 74 corresponding to the first port 41 as the configuration information of the assigned auxiliary device 39 based on the input information from the input unit 62. In this embodiment, the operator can select the "switching mode" from "momentary" or "toggle" via the input unit 62. The switch mode "momentary" allows the auxiliary device to be energized only while the switch is pressed, and the switch mode "toggle" allows the auxiliary device to be energized ON / OFF only while the switch is pressed.

[0047] In step S83, the process may be terminated after the setting information of the auxiliary device 39 is set in the switch of the operation lever.

[0048] In other cases, in steps S81 to S83, the control unit 68 may execute the receiving process, the distributing process, and the setting process based on commands from an external device (for example, a portable information processing device, a smartphone, or a server in a control center) via a network, instead of input from the input unit 62. This allows the operator to perform the installation and setting of the auxiliary device by remote control, without getting into the cab 14 and operating the joystick device 31.

[0049] 9 shows a schematic diagram of the monitor 35 or the display unit 65 when an auxiliary device is set to the joystick device 31. The monitor 35 is capable of displaying a screen 91 for arranging an auxiliary device on the joystick. Here, in FIG. 9, a field 92 in which a "user defined name" corresponding to the first port 41 is input is currently selected, and the "user defined name" corresponding to the first port 41 (service switching port) is registered as "CB radio" by the input unit 62.

[0050] Similarly, field 93 is for setting a "user defined name" corresponding to the third port 43 (service power port), field 94 is for setting a "user defined name" corresponding to the second port 42 (service power port), and field 95 is for setting a "user defined name" corresponding to the fourth port 44 (service power port). The operator can select one of fields 93 to 95, and each field corresponds to either a service switching port or a service power port to be assigned.

[0051] Alternatively, the screen 91 may include a menu button 96, a back button 97, and a home button 98. The menu button 96 is a button for displaying menu items, the back button 97 is a button for returning to the previous screen, and the home button 98 is a button for returning to the home screen.

[0052] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the device may be equipped with a monitor 35 and a touch panel for inputting information to the control unit 68, so that setting information such as “user-defined names” corresponding to fields 92 to 95 and commands corresponding to the menu button 96, back button 97, and home button 98 can be input via the screen 91 using the touch panel of the monitor 35.

[0053] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular arrangement of fields and buttons on the screen as shown in Figure 9. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may place the fields and buttons in different locations or may include more fields and buttons on the screen for other functions of the work machine 1.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the monitor 35 when setting the configuration of the auxiliary device in the joystick. A screen 101 for setting the configuration information of the auxiliary device in the joystick is displayed on the monitor 35. Here, in Fig. 10, fields 102 to 107 are displayed for setting the configuration information of the auxiliary device.

[0055] The field 102 is used to register and edit a "user defined name" corresponding to the first port 41. In this embodiment, the field 102 displays "CB Radio" as the "user defined name" of the auxiliary device.

[0056] Field 103 sets the "output activation setting" of the first port 41 and sets whether to start port setup. Field 103 can select either ON or OFF. In this embodiment, field 103 displays "OFF" as the "output activation setting" of the first port 41.

[0057] Field 104 is used to set the "switching mode" of the first port 41. Field 104 can be selected from "momentary" or "toggle". The switch mode "momentary" energizes the auxiliary device only while the switch is pressed, and the switch mode "toggle" energizes the auxiliary device by switching ON / OFF while the switch is pressed. In this embodiment, field 104 is selected to input the "switching mode" of the first port 41 (service switching port), and the input unit 62 registers the "switching mode" of the first port 41 (service switching port) as "momentary".

[0058] Field 105 is used to set whether or not to display a "status message" of the auxiliary device (here, the CB radio in FIG. 10) on the monitor. Field 105 can select "enable" or "disable." In this embodiment, field 105 indicates "enable" as the "status message" of the auxiliary device.

[0059] Field 106 is used to set the "status sound type" of the auxiliary device. Field 106 can select from at least one type of pre-installed sound. In this embodiment, field 106 shows "Beat Type-A" as the "status sound type" of the auxiliary device.

[0060] Field 107 is used to set "Mute Bluetooth and Speaker" of the auxiliary device. Field 107 can select "Enable" or "Disable". In this embodiment, field 107 displays "Disable" as "Mute Bluetooth and Speaker" of the auxiliary device.

[0061] The screen 101 may include a menu button 108, a back button 109, and a home button 110. The menu button 108 displays menu items, the back button 109 returns to the previous screen, and the home button 110 returns to the home screen.

[0062] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, monitor 35 may be provided with a touch panel for inputting information to control unit 68, so that setting information such as “output activation setting” corresponding to field 103 or any of the other fields 102, 104-107, and commands corresponding to menu button 108, back button 109, and home button 110 are input via screen 101 by the touch panel of monitor 35.

[0063] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular arrangement of fields and buttons on the screen as shown in Figure 10. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may arrange the fields and buttons in different locations or include more fields and buttons on the screen for other functions of the work machine 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0064] As noted above, the present disclosure relates to work machines and, more particularly, to construction machines having a joystick for control, systems, assemblies and methods thereof.

[0065] An embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may include an assembly for a work machine that includes an operating lever that includes a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is actuated and positioned to control the work machine, and the second switch is deactivated at the factory. The assembly may include a first port electrically coupled to the second switch of the operating lever and a second port coupled to a power source of the work machine. The assembly may further include a processing circuit configured to receive a request from an input device to arrange on the work machine an auxiliary device that is removably attached to the work machine after factory shipment, assign the first port to the second switch of the operating lever to control the auxiliary device, assign the second port to the auxiliary device to supply power to the auxiliary device, and set configuration information for the auxiliary device based on input information from the input device. The operating lever is a joystick that moves forward, backward, left and right by operation of an operator's hand to control the work machine. In this embodiment, the first switch and the second switch are arranged in front of the operating lever, and the first switch and the second switch can be pressed with the thumb of the hand while holding the operating lever. The input device may also be a joystick device. The assembly may include a display device that displays a screen providing fields for setting configuration information for the auxiliary devices, and the processing circuitry can set the configuration information based on inputs to the fields of the screen displayed on the display device. Alternatively, the assembly may include two sets of auxiliary devices and two ports, each of which may be controlled by a switch on one joystick (e.g., left hand) and another switch on another joystick (e.g., right hand). The assembly may set various configuration information for the auxiliary devices by input from an input device (e.g., joystick or monitor touch panel). These features allow the operator of the work machine to simply assign ports to the joystick and set configuration information for controlling the auxiliary devices, without the need to install additional parts or complex installations to add switches around the joystick.Thus, by providing such joysticks and components, embodiments of the present invention can improve the operating efficiency of a work machine.

[0066] According to the embodiment, the operator of the work machine can operate an additional auxiliary device at hand without having to re-grapple the operating lever or change his / her line of sight, thereby improving the work efficiency of the work machine.

[0067] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Such embodiments are to be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An assembly for a work machine (1), comprising: an operating lever (23) including a first switch (73) actuated and arranged to control the work machine (1) and a second switch (74) configured not to be actuated during factory shipment; a first port (41) electrically coupled to the second switch (74) of the operating lever (23); a second port (42) coupled to the power supply of the work machine (1); a processing circuit (32), wherein the processing circuit (32) receives from an input device (31) a request to dispose on the work machine (1) an auxiliary device (39) removably attachable to the work machine (1) after factory shipment; assigns the first port (41) to the second switch (74) of the operating lever (23) to control the auxiliary device (39); assigns the second port (42) to the auxiliary device (39) to supply power to the auxiliary device (39); and is configured to set configuration information of the auxiliary device (39) based on input information from the input device (31). An assembly for a work machine (1).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the operating lever (23) is a joystick device (23, 71) movable forward, backward, left, and right by an operator's hand operation to control the work machine (1).

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first switch (73) and the second switch (74) are arranged in front of the operating lever (31) so that the operator can press the first switch (73) and the second switch (74) with the thumb by grasping the operating lever (31).

4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the input device is a joystick device (23, 71).

5. further comprising a display device (65) for displaying a screen providing a field for setting configuration information of the auxiliary device (39), wherein the processing circuit (32) sets the configuration information based on an input to a field of the screen displayed on the display device (65), and is configured to set, as the configuration information, a switching mode of the second switch (74) selectable from a momentary mode and a toggle mode. The assembly according to claim 1.

6. ​ Another operating lever including a third switch actuated and arranged to control the work machine (1) and a fourth switch made inoperative at the time of factory shipment, A third port (43) electrically coupled to the fourth switch of the operating lever, A fourth port (44) coupled to the power supply, A processing circuit (32), further comprising, wherein the processing circuit (32) Receives from the input device a request to dispose on the work machine (1) another auxiliary device (39) removably attachable to the work machine (1) after factory shipment, Assigns the third port (43) to the fourth switch of the other operating lever to control the other auxiliary device (39), Assigns the fourth port (44) to the other auxiliary device (39) to supply power to the other auxiliary device (39), The assembly according to claim 1, configured to set configuration information of the other auxiliary device (39) based on input information from the input device (31). **Claim 7** The processing circuit (32) is configured to set the status message of the second switch (74) as the configuration information, and the status message is enabled or disabled for display on the display device (65). The assembly according to claim 5. **Claim 8** A method for a work machine, comprising: Receiving from an input device (31) a request to dispose on the work machine (1) an auxiliary device (39) removably attachable to the work machine (1) after factory shipment; Assigning a first port (41) to a second switch (74) of an operating lever (31) to control the auxiliary device (39), wherein the operating lever (31) includes a first switch (73) actuated and arranged to control the work machine (1) and the second switch (74) made inoperative at the time of factory shipment, and the first port (41) is electrically coupled to the second switch (74) of the operating lever (31); Assigning a second port (42) to the auxiliary device (39) to supply power to the auxiliary device (39), wherein the second port (42) is coupled to the power supply of the work machine (1); A method for a working machine, including the step of setting configuration information of the auxiliary device (39) based on input information from the input device (31). **Claim 9** The input device is a joystick device (23, 71) that moves forward, backward, left, and right by an operation by an operator's hand to control the working machine (1), and The method according to claim 8, wherein the first switch (73) and the second switch (74) are disposed in front of the joystick device (23, 71) so that the first switch (73) and the second switch (74) can be pressed with the operator's thumb by holding the joystick device (23, 71). **Claim 10** The method according to claim 8, further including the step of setting, as the configuration information, a switching mode of the second switch (74) that can be selected from a momentary mode and a toggle mode.

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