Work machine

Abstract

To provide a work machine that can present information indicating the current function assignment without misidentifying the assigned function and without reducing visibility of other display information during work, for example, in a work machine equipped with an input device to which a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned.SOLUTION: In a work machine comprising an input device to which any one of a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned, and a display device that displays either a first display screen including current function assignment information of the input device or a second display screen not including the current function assignment information of the input device, a control device executes processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated while the first display screen is displayed on the display device, and controls the display screen of the display device to switch from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated while the second display screen is displayed on the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine equipped with an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned. [Background technology]

[0002] In a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator, a plurality of input devices are provided around the driver's seat for changing various settings of the work machine, such as the engine speed, the work mode, etc. In recent years, as work machines have become more multifunctional, the number of these input devices has tended to increase.

[0003] Increasing the number of input devices increases the number of parts, which leads to increased manufacturing costs. In addition, the operator must search for and operate an input device that corresponds to a desired function from among a large number of input devices, which increases the operator's burden and may lead to reduced work efficiency.

[0004] To solve such problems, Patent Document 1 describes an input device that can selectively assign an engine operation function for adjusting the engine speed and a screen operation function for operating the screen displayed on the display unit. In this way, by consolidating multiple functions into one input device, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[0005] Furthermore, in the input device of Patent Document 1, when a function is assigned, information indicating the function assignment is displayed on the display unit temporarily or for the period during which the function is assigned, thereby enabling the operator to recognize the functions assigned to the input device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-26000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, when information indicating function assignment is temporarily displayed in response to the assignment of any function, the operator cannot confirm the function assignment at the timing of operating the input device, and there is a possibility that the operator will operate the input device while misidentifying the assigned function.

[0008] On the other hand, if information indicating function assignment is displayed for the period during which any function is assigned, it will continue to occupy the display area of ​​the display unit, which may reduce visibility of other displayed information during work and reduce work efficiency.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine, for example, equipped with an input device to which a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned, which can present information indicating the current function assignment to an operator without causing the operator to mistakenly identify the assigned function and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a work machine according to the present invention includes an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned, a display device that switches between a first display screen including setting information for the function assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including setting information for the function, and a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device, wherein the control device, when the first display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, information indicating the current function assignment can be presented to the operator without misidentifying the assigned functions and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a jog dial and four push buttons of an input device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing mode transitions of a switch. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an example of functions assigned to each switch and their operation guides. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a touch monitor. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow of an operation processing unit. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a manipulation guide display determination unit. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a manipulation guide display determination unit. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, showing an example of an input device in a work machine using the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows an overview of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a work machine. The hydraulic excavator 1 is composed of an articulated front working machine 1A consisting of a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c, each of which rotates vertically, and a vehicle body 1B consisting of an upper rotating body 1d and a lower running body 1e. The upper rotating body 1d is attached to the top of the lower running body 1e so that it can rotate left and right. In addition, the upper rotating body 1d is equipped with a driver's cab 1f.

[0015] The base end of the boom 1a of the front working machine 1A is supported on the front part of the upper rotating body 1d. The boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, upper rotating body 1d and lower traveling body 1e are driven by the actuators of the boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, swing motor 3d and left and right traveling motors 3e, 3f, respectively. Note that posture sensors 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are attached to each joint part of the front working machine 1A and to the joint part between the upper rotating body 1d and the lower traveling body 1e, and it is possible to obtain the angle of each rotation part.

[0016] The upper rotating body 1d is equipped with an engine 5, a pump 6, an electronically controlled valve 7, and the like for operating the hydraulic excavator 1. The pump 6 is driven by the rotation of the engine 5 and discharges hydraulic oil to each actuator. The electronically controlled valve 7 controls the operation of each actuator by changing the flow rate and flow direction of the hydraulic oil in response to operation input from operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d (see FIG. 2) provided in the operator's cab 1f. In addition, cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c for photographing the surroundings of the hydraulic excavator 1 are installed on the right, rear, and left of the upper rotating body 1d, respectively. In addition, a control device 11 is mounted on the upper rotating body 1d for controlling the rotation speed of the engine 5 (hereinafter referred to as engine rotation speed), etc.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state inside the cab 1f. Electric operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are installed inside the cab 1f. The operation levers 9a and 9b can be operated in four directions, forward, backward, left, and right, and correspond to the operation of the front work implement 1A and the upper rotating body 1d (the boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, and swing motor 3d that operate them). The operation levers 9c and 9d can be operated in two directions, forward and backward, and correspond to the operation of the left and right traveling motors 3e and 3f attached to the lower traveling body 1e. When the shutoff lever 10 provided in the cab 1f is in the unlocked position, the operation amount of each operation lever is converted into a control command value for each actuator in the control device 11, and the electronic control valve 7 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil discharged according to this control command value. In addition, a touch monitor 12 is mounted on the right front of the cab 1f, which can confirm and change various settings of the hydraulic excavator 1 and display camera images taken by the cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c.

[0018] An input device 13 is installed on the right side of the driver's seat in the driver's cab 1f, and various settings related to the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the input device 13. The input device 13 is composed of a jog dial 13a and four push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. The jog dial 13a has a mechanism that allows the dial part to be rotated, pressed, and slid up, down, left, and right. The push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e have a mechanism that allows the button part to be pressed. The input device 13 has a specification in which the state is managed by a plurality of modes, and the functions assigned to each switch differ depending on the selected mode.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method of transitioning to each mode. In this embodiment, there are four modes: a work mode 401, an air conditioner mode 402, an audio mode 403, and a menu mode 404. When the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the work mode 401, the mode transitions to the air conditioner mode 402, and when the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406 in the work mode 401, the mode transitions to the audio mode 403. When the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406 in the air conditioner mode 402, or when the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the audio mode 403, the mode transitions to the work mode 401. When the jog dial 13a is pressed down 407 in any of the work mode 401, the air conditioner mode 402, and the audio mode 403, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 transitions to a menu screen, and the input device 13 transitions to a menu mode 404 for performing screen operations.

[0020] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the function allocation of the input device 13 in each mode and the display of the operation guide in each mode. The behavior of each switch is described in detail below.

[0021] As shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 5, in the work mode for each function 401, functions that are frequently used during the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, such as engine speed adjustment 401A and wiper operation 401D, are assigned to each switch. In addition, an air conditioner mode 402 enables settings related to the air conditioner, and an audio mode 403 enables settings related to the audio. In the menu mode 404, functions used for screen operations within the menu, such as focus movement 404A and transition to the previous screen 404B, are collected together.

[0022] Also, depending on the currently selected mode, the touch monitor 12 displays an operation guide as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 5. By checking this operation guide, the operator can recognize the function of each switch and perform the intended operation. As for the menu mode 404, since the display screen of the touch monitor 12 has transitioned to the menu screen, the operator can easily recognize that the input device 13 has transitioned to the menu mode 404, so there is no need to display the operation guide.

[0023] An example of the function assignment to each switch of the input device 13 in each mode will be described below. Working mode 401: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjustment of engine speed (401A, 401a) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog dial 13a (slide operation): mode switching of input device 13 Push button 13b: Switches the upper limit of the running speed of the lower running body 1e (401B, 401b) Push button 13c: Switches the upper limit of engine speed (401C, 401c) Push button 13d: Switches the wiper operation cycle (401D, 401d) Push button 13e: Sprays washer fluid (401E, 401e) Air Conditioning Mode 402: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjustment of air volume (402A, 402a) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog dial 13a (slide operation): mode switching of input device 13 Push button 13b: Internal air recirculation ON / OFF switch (402B, 402b) Push button 13c: Automatic air conditioner ON / OFF switch (402C, 402c) Push button 13d: Switching between air outlets (402D, 402d) Push button 13e: Air conditioner power ON / OFF switch (402E, 402e) Audio Mode 403: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjusts the volume (403A, 403a) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog dial 13a (slide operation): mode switching of input device 13 Push button 13b: Switch to previous channel (403B, 403b) Push button 13c: Switch to next channel (403C, 403c) Push button 13d: Audio source switching (403D, 403d) Push button 13e: Audio power ON / OFF switch (403E, 403E) Menu Mode 404: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Moves focus on the screen (404A) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Confirm Jog dial 13a (slide operation): Moves focus on screen (404A) Push button 13b: Return to previous screen (404B) Push button 13c: Return to the main screen (404C) Push button 13d: Unassigned Push button 13e: Unassigned

[0024] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch monitor 12. In this embodiment, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 can be classified into three screens: a basic screen (with operation guide) 600A, a basic screen (without operation guide) 600B, and a menu screen 600C, which correspond to the first display screen, the second display screen, and the second display screen of the present invention, respectively.

[0025] The basic screen refers to a screen that is displayed while the hydraulic excavator 1 is being operated, and displays a fuel gauge 606, a water temperature gauge 607, which are frequently checked while the hydraulic excavator 1 is being operated, an overhead image 608 synthesized with images captured by a camera, etc. Also, there are two basic screens: a basic screen 600A on which an operation guide 609 showing the function allocation of the input device 13 is displayed, and a basic screen 600B on which the operation guide 609 is not displayed.

[0026] 6, in basic screen 600B where operation guide 609 is not displayed, in addition to overhead image 608, rear camera image 613 is displayed, and the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on basic screen 600B is larger than the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on basic screen 600A, making it easier to check the surrounding situation. In this way, when operation guide 609 is not displayed, the area can be used to improve the visibility of existing display information or to add display information.

[0027] As an example of a means for transitioning from the basic screen 600A on which the operation guide 609 is displayed to the basic screen 600B on which the operation guide 609 is not displayed, there is a tap operation on the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A. In addition, a means for the operator to hide the operation guide 609 at any timing (transition to the basic screen 600B) by using a swipe operation on the operation guide 609 or a setting operation in the menu screen 600C may be provided. Note that, as in this embodiment, the display of information that is checked less frequently during driving, such as an air conditioner status display 610 (on the left side of the operation guide 609) and an audio status display 611 (on the right side of the operation guide 609), may be switched in conjunction with the display of the operation guide 609.

[0028] On the other hand, in the menu screen 600C, various settings of the vehicle can be confirmed or changed through screen operations. Fig. 6 shows an example of a top menu screen immediately after transition to the menu screen 600C. When operating this screen, the focus 622 is moved to a specific icon among the multiple icons 614 to 621 lined up, and a confirmation operation by pressing the dial can be performed to transition to the screen of the next hierarchy. In this way, in the menu screen 600C, various settings can be confirmed or changed by operating the jog dial 13a or the push buttons 13b and 13c on the screen display.

[0029] The menu screen 600C may be designed to allow screen operation by touch operation in addition to screen operation by the input device 13. In the present embodiment, all operation guides 609 in the menu screen 600C are hidden, but the menu screen 600C may be designed to partially display only specific operation guides, such as operations to return to the previous screen / return to the basic screen assigned to the push buttons 13b and 13c.

[0030] 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of this embodiment. Each input / output device is connected to a control device 11, which performs various controls such as inputting and outputting information to and from an operator and issuing operation commands to the vehicle body. The control device 11 is configured to include the processes of an operation feasibility determination unit 701, a lever operation amount determination unit 702, a control command value determination unit 703, a vehicle body setting management unit 704, a camera image acquisition unit 705, an operation information acquisition unit 706, an operation processing unit 707, a function allocation management unit 708, an operation guide display determination unit 709, and a display control unit 710. The flow of processing in each processing unit will be described below.

[0031] The operation feasibility determination unit 701 detects the position of the shutoff lever 10 and determines whether or not the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated. When the shutoff lever 10 is in the locked position, the operation feasibility determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body cannot be operated, and when the shutoff lever 10 is in the unlocked position, the operation feasibility determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body can be operated, and outputs the result.

[0032] In response to signals from the control levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, the lever operation amount determination unit 702 determines the operation amount of each control lever and outputs the information. For example, the neutral position of the control lever is 0, the operation direction is expressed as positive or negative, and the operation amount is expressed as 1 to 100, and the operation amount of each control lever is determined within the range of -100 to 100.

[0033] A control command value determination unit 703 determines a control command value for the electronically controlled valve 7 based on information such as the vehicle body operation status and the lever operation amount. The electronically controlled valve 7 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil discharged based on this control command value, and drives each actuator.

[0034] The vehicle body setting management unit 704 also holds setting values ​​related to the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle body, such as the driving mode and the work mode, and the control command value determination unit 703 determines the control command value taking into account this vehicle body setting information.

[0035] The camera image acquisition unit 705 acquires image signals from the cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c attached to the upper rotating body 1d, corrects and synthesizes the images as necessary, and outputs the images to the display control unit 710.

[0036] The operation information acquisition unit 706 acquires signals from the input device 13 (the jog dial 13a and the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e) and converts them into operation information for each switch. The operation information includes, for example, the rotation direction and amount of the jog dial 13a, and the pressed state of each of the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e.

[0037] The operation processing unit 707 uses the operation information to carry out various processes. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing by the operation processing unit 707. First, in step 707a, the operation processing unit 707 acquires operation information of the jog dial 13a and the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. Next, the process proceeds to step 707b, where it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed. If none of the switches have been operated, the process returns to step 707a, and operation information is acquired again.

[0038] In step 707b, if a switch operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 707c, where information on the display screen currently being displayed on the touch monitor 12 is obtained from the display control section 710.

[0039] Next, in step 707d, a branch process is carried out according to the type of the current display screen.

[0040] First, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide, the process proceeds to step 707e, where the current mode of the input device 13 and function allocation information of each switch are acquired from the function allocation management unit 708. The function allocation management unit 708 holds the allocation information of the functions of the switches in each mode of the input device 13, and manages the currently selected mode. Next, in step 707f, a branch is made according to the contents of the operation. In step 707f, if the operation content is a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a or a press operation of the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e, in step 707g, the operation content according to the current function allocation is determined, and a request to change the body settings is output to the body setting management unit 704.

[0041] In step 707f, if the operation content is a pressing operation of the jog dial 13a, the process proceeds to step 707h, and a request for transition to the menu screen 600C is output to the display control unit 710. Note that the process for transitioning to the menu screen 600C is a function common to the work mode 401, the air conditioner mode 402, and the audio mode 403, and therefore the process is executed regardless of the current function allocation.

[0042] Also, in step 707f, if the operation content is a slide operation of the jog dial 13a, the process proceeds to step 707i, where the mode after the change is determined according to the current mode and the direction of the slide operation, and a mode change request (function allocation change request) is output to the function allocation management unit 708. The correspondence between the slide operation direction and each mode is as shown in FIG.

[0043] In step 707d, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 707j. If the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the basic screen, it is highly likely that the operator does not recognize the function of each switch. Therefore, in step 707j, the process corresponding to each switch operation (processing corresponding to the current function assignment of each switch) is not executed, and the process of the operation processing unit 707 is terminated. At this time, the operation guide display determination unit 709 described later outputs an instruction to the display control unit 710 to display the operation guide 609 on the basic screen, and the process of switching the display screen to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609 is executed. After the display screen is switched from the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609, the input device 13 is operated again, and the process proceeds from step 707d to step 707e, and the process according to the current function assignment of the input device 13 can be executed.

[0044] In addition, for functions common to all modes, such as the process of transitioning to menu screen 600C in step 707h, since there is a low possibility that the operator will misunderstand the function assignment, the specifications may be such that the process can be executed even on basic screen 600B that does not include operation guide 609.

[0045] Finally, in step 707d, if the currently displayed screen is the menu screen 600C, the operator can easily guess that the input device 13 can be used for screen operation even without the operation guide 609, so the process proceeds in the order of steps 707k and 707l, and screen operation processing is executed according to the operation content of the input device 13, such as focus movement and confirmation. In other words, if the input device 13 is assigned a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the touch monitor 12, regardless of whether the display screen of the touch monitor 12 is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 or the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609, screen operation processing is executed according to the current function allocation of the input device 13 in response to the operation of the input device 13.

[0046] Note that the processing for each switch operation described here is just an example, and the assignment of functions to each operation may be freely set, such as changing the mode of the input device 13 by sliding the jog dial 13a up or down, or transitioning to the menu screen 600C by pressing the push button 13b.

[0047] Next, a description will be given of the process of the operation guidance display determination unit 709. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are diagrams showing the flow of the process in the operation guidance display determination unit 709.

[0048] First, in step 709a, current display screen information is obtained from the display control unit 710. Next, in step 709b, branching processing is performed according to the current display screen.

[0049] In step 709b, if the currently displayed screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709c, where operation information of the input device 13 is acquired from the operation information acquisition unit 706. After that, in step 709d, branching processing is performed according to whether or not an operation has been performed. First, in step 709d, if the input device 13 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 709e, where an instruction is given to the display control unit 710 to continue not to display the operation guide 609.

[0050] On the other hand, in step 709d, if the input device 13 is operated, the process proceeds to step 709f, and the display control unit 710 is instructed to display the operation guide 609. In this way, when the operation guide 609 is not displayed, a process is performed so that the operation guide 609 is displayed in response to any operation of the input device 13 (in other words, when any operation of the input device 13 is performed, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 is switched from the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609). This makes it possible for the operator to check the function assignment of each switch without needing any other special operation when attempting to operate the input device 13. Also, in step 707j, if the operation guide 609 is not displayed, the operation processing unit 707 does not execute a process (a process corresponding to the current function assignment of the input device 13) in response to the operation of the input device 13, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from misidentifying the function assigned to the input device 13 and setting the vehicle body incorrectly.

[0051] In addition, for functions common to all modes, such as the operation of transitioning to menu screen 600C, since there is a low possibility that the operator will misunderstand the function assignment, the operation guide 609 may remain hidden even if the input device 13 is operated in step 709d.

[0052] In step 709f, an instruction to display the operation guide 609 is given to the display control unit 710, and then the process proceeds to step 709g, where a process of resetting the timer of the timer management unit 709h is performed. The timer management unit 709h counts the time during which the operation guide 609 is displayed and no operation of the input device 13 continues. Therefore, a process of resetting the timer is performed at the timing when the operation guide 609 is switched from hidden to displayed, or at the timing when an operation of the input device 13 is input.

[0053] In step 709b, if the currently displayed screen is the menu screen 600C, as described above, the operator can easily guess that the input device 13 can be used for screen operation even without the operation guide 609, so the process proceeds to step 709e and an instruction is given to hide the operation guide 609.

[0054] In step 709b, if the currently displayed screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709i in Fig. 10. In step 709i, operation information of the input device 13 is obtained from the operation information obtaining section 706, and further, in step 709j, branching processing is performed according to whether or not an operation has been performed. In step 709j, if the input device 13 has been operated, the process proceeds to steps 709f and 709g in Fig. 9, where an instruction to continue displaying the operation guide 609 and processing to reset the timer of the timer management section 709h are performed.

[0055] If there is no operation of the input device 13 in step 709j, the process proceeds to step 709k, where touch operation information of the touch monitor 12 is acquired. After that, in step 709l, it is determined whether an operation to hide the operation guide 609, that is, a tap operation of the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, has been performed. If a tap operation of the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A has been performed, the process proceeds to step 709m, where an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output to indicate that the operator has determined that the operation guide 609 is unnecessary.

[0056] In step 709l, if the operation to hide the operation guide 609 is not performed, in step 709n, it is determined whether the timer of the timer management unit 709h is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. In step 709n, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 709m, and an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output. If the operation guide 609 is displayed and the input device 13 has not been operated for a predetermined time or more (if a certain time has elapsed without the input device 13 being operated), it can be determined that the operator has no intention of operating the input device 13. In such a case, by performing a process to automatically hide the operation guide 609 (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609), the operator does not need to operate the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, and therefore it is possible to work efficiently.

[0057] In step 709n, if the timer of timer management unit 709h has not reached the predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to step 709o, where the vehicle body's operable / inoperable state is acquired and stored in vehicle body operable / inoperable state storage unit 709p. Vehicle body operable / inoperable state storage unit 709p holds the current operable / inoperable state and the operable / inoperable state at the time of the previous processing cycle, and in step 709q, the respective states are compared to determine whether the vehicle body has transitioned from an inoperable state to an operable state. In step 709q, if the vehicle body has transitioned from an inoperable state to an operable state, an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output in step 709m. At this time, it can be determined that the operator has moved the shutoff lever 10 to the unlocked position, indicating his / her intention to start operating the hydraulic excavator 1, and therefore a process is performed to automatically hide the operation guide 609 (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A, which includes the operation guide 609, to the basic screen 600B, which does not include the operation guide 609). This eliminates the need for the operator to operate the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, thereby enabling the operator to work more efficiently.

[0058] In step 709q, if there is no change in the vehicle body's operable / inoperable state, the process proceeds to step 709r, where the operation state of the operation lever is acquired. In steps 709r and 709t, the lever operation state storage unit 709s determines whether the operation lever has transitioned from a non-operated state to an operated state, as in the above process, and if the operation lever has transitioned from a non-operated state to an operated state, in step 709m, an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output. On the other hand, in step 709t, if there is no change in the lever operation state, the process proceeds to step 709u, where an instruction to continue displaying the operation guide 609 is output.

[0059] In this embodiment, the process of hiding the operation guide 609 based on the vehicle body's operable / inoperable state and the lever operation state is described, but conversely, the process may be such that the operation guide 609 is displayed when the vehicle body transitions to an inoperable state or when a certain time has elapsed since the operation lever transitioned to a non-operated state, that is, when a situation has arisen in which it is highly likely that the operator will operate the input device 13. By adding such a process, the operator is no longer required to operate the input device 13 once to display the operation guide 609, and therefore it becomes possible to more efficiently perform setting operations using the input device 13.

[0060] The display control unit 710 generates a display screen based on various vehicle body settings, function allocation of the input device 13, and information such as display instructions of the operation guide 609, and outputs it to the touch monitor 12.

[0061] In this manner, in this embodiment, based on the operation state of the input device 13 and various vehicle body states, it is determined whether or not the operator is in a situation in which the operation guide 609 is required, and the operation guide 609 is displayed on the touch monitor 12 as necessary.

[0062] Furthermore, when the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the touch monitor 12, no processing is performed by operating the input device 13. This makes it possible to present the function allocation information of the input device 13 to the operator without causing the operator to operate the device while misidentifying the assigned functions, and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0063] [summary] As described above, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) of this embodiment comprises an input device 13 (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) to which a plurality of predetermined functions (related to work) can be selectively assigned (to which any one of a plurality of predetermined functions including a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the work machine can be selectively assigned), a display device (touch monitor 12) that switches between displaying a first display screen including setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13 and a second display screen not including the setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13, and a display device (touch monitor 12) that acquires operation information of the input device 13 (operation information acquisition unit 706), manages the function assignment of the input device 13 (function assignment management unit 708), and displays the input information (operation information acquisition unit 709) on the basis of the operation information. In a work machine equipped with a control device 11 that, when an input device 13 accepts an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13 (operation processing unit 707) and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device (display control unit 710), the control device 11 executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13 when the input device 13 accepts an operation while the first display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12), and controls the display screen of the display device (touch monitor 12) to be switched from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13 when the input device 13 accepts an operation while the second display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12).

[0064] Moreover, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) has a switching unit that selectively (by an operator's operation) switches the display screen of the display device between the first display screen and the second display screen.

[0065] In addition, when a certain period of time has elapsed during which the input device 13 has not been operated, the control device 11 controls the display device to switch the display screen from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0066] In addition, the control device 11 determines whether the work machine is in an operable state (operation feasibility determination unit 701), and when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0067] In addition, the control device 11 determines the operation state of the work machine (lever operation amount determination unit 702), and when the work machine transitions from a non-operation state to an operation state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0068] In addition, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) is equipped with cameras 8a, 8b, 8c for photographing the surroundings of the work machine, and the first display screen and the second display screen display camera images captured by the cameras 8a, 8b, 8c, with the display area of ​​the camera images displayed on the second display screen being larger than the display area of ​​the camera images displayed on the first display screen.

[0069] Further, the input device 13 is composed of a plurality of operation units (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) to which the predetermined functions can each be assigned, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and a specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units receives an operation, the control device 11 switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen, and the first display screen includes setting information for functions assigned to the specific operation unit as well as setting information for functions assigned to an operation unit among the plurality of operation units other than the specific operation unit.

[0070] In addition, when the input device 13 receives an operation while a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device is assigned to the input device 13, the control device 11 executes screen operation processing in accordance with the current function assignment of the input device 13 in response to the operation of the input device 13, regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen.

[0071] Furthermore, the input device 13 accepts an operation for switching the functions assigned to the input device 13 and an operation for executing a process corresponding to the functions assigned to the input device 13 .

[0072] The plurality of specified functions also include a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the work machine, a function for adjusting the volume of the audio in the cab of the work machine, and a function for adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner in the cab of the work machine.

[0073] The input device 13 according to this embodiment has a first display screen including the current function allocation information (operation guide 609) of the input device 13 and a second display screen not including the current function allocation information (operation guide 609) of the input device 13, and executes a process of transitioning to the first display screen in response to the operation of the input device 13, regardless of the current function allocation, while the second display screen is displayed. By executing such a process, the operator can perform various setting operations after checking the first display screen including the current function allocation information, and therefore can operate without misidentifying the currently assigned functions. Furthermore, since the second display screen not including the function allocation information is displayed until the operator operates the input device 13, it is possible to perform work without impairing the visibility of other display information.

[0074] Furthermore, by providing a means (switching unit) for selectively transitioning from the first display screen to the second display screen, the second display screen can be displayed at any time when the operator no longer requires the current function allocation information, improving the visibility of high-priority display information during work and enabling work to be performed efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, by controlling the display of the second display screen when the input device 13 has not been operated for a certain period of time, the second display screen is automatically displayed when the operator has finished operating the input device 13 and it is determined that the current function allocation information is no longer necessary. This saves the operator the trouble of switching to the second display screen, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0076] In addition, by determining the operation state of the work machine and controlling to display the second display screen when the work machine transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state, when the operator starts operating the work machine, that is, when the situation transitions to one where the possibility of operating the input device 13 is low, the second display screen is automatically displayed, improving the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information, making it possible to perform work efficiently.

[0077] In addition, by determining whether the work machine is in an operable state, and controlling to display the second display screen when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, the second display screen is automatically displayed when the operator is about to start operating the work machine, that is, when the situation transitions to one where there is little possibility of operating the input device 13, and the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information is improved, making it possible to perform work efficiently.

[0078] Furthermore, by making the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the second display screen larger than the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the first display screen, it becomes easier to view the situation around the work machine on the second display screen, which does not include current function allocation information, making it possible to work more efficiently.

[0079] Furthermore, when the input device 13 is configured with a plurality of operation units (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e), when an operation is performed on any one of the operation units, the first display screen including function assignment information of an operation unit different from the operated operation unit is controlled to be displayed. This eliminates the need to switch function assignment information for each operation of each operation unit, so that when multiple operation units are operated in succession, the number of operations of the input device 13 can be reduced, and the input device can be operated efficiently.

[0080] Furthermore, when a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12) is assigned to the input device 13, the operator can infer that the current function assignment is the screen operation function from the display contents of the display screen, even if the function assignment information is not directly displayed. Therefore, when a screen operation function is assigned to the input device 13, it is possible to efficiently perform screen operation by making it possible to process the screen operation regardless of whether the function assignment information is displayed or not.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present information indicating the current function assignment to the operator without misidentifying the assigned functions and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0082] In this embodiment, the operation of the present invention is described using a hydraulic excavator as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention is not limited to those having all of the configurations described in the above embodiment, and also includes those in which some of the configurations are omitted.

[0083] Further, each configuration related to the control device 11 and the functions and execution processes of each configuration may be realized in part or in whole by hardware (for example, by designing logic for executing each function in an integrated circuit). Further, the configuration related to the control device 11 may be a program (software) that is read and executed by an arithmetic processing device (for example, a CPU) to realize each function related to the configuration of the control device. Information related to the program may be stored in, for example, a semiconductor memory (flash memory, SSD, etc.), a magnetic storage device (hard disk drive, etc.), and a recording medium (magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.).

[0084] In addition, in the above description of the embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered to be necessary for the description of the embodiment, but they do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines related to the product. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Hydraulic excavator (working machine) 1A Front work machine 1B Body 1a Boom 1b Arm 1c Bucket 1d Upper rotating body 1e Undercarriage 1F Driver's cab 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d Attitude sensor 5 Engine (prime mover) 6. Pump 7 Electronically Controlled Valves 8a,8b,8c Camera 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d Operating lever (operating device) 10 Shut-off lever 11 Control device 12 Touch monitor (display device) 13 Input Devices 13a Jog dial 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e Push Buttons 401 Working Mode 402 Air Conditioning Mode 403 Audio Mode 404 Menu Mode 600A Basic screen (with operation guide) (first display screen) 600B Basic screen (no operation guide) (second display screen) 600C Menu screen (second display screen) 609 Operation Guide 701 Operation possibility determination unit 702 Lever operation amount determination unit 703 Control command value judgement unit 704 Vehicle Settings Management Unit 705 Camera image acquisition unit 706 Operation information acquisition unit 707 Operation Processing Unit 708 Functional Allocation Management Department 709 Operation guide display judgment unit 710 Display control unit

Claims

1. an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned; a display device that switches between displaying a first display screen including setting information of a function assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the function; a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes a process corresponding to a function assigned to the input device and controls a display screen to be displayed on the display device, The control device includes: when the first display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, the input device executes a process corresponding to a function assigned to the input device; a work machine characterized in that, when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, the display screen of the display device is switched from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing corresponding to a function assigned to the input device.

2. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, A work machine, characterized in that the plurality of predetermined functions that can be assigned to the input device include a function of adjusting a rotation speed of a prime mover that drives the work machine.

3. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, A work machine comprising: a switching unit that selectively switches a display screen of said display device between said first display screen and said second display screen.

4. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, The control device controls the display device to switch the display screen from the first display screen to the second display screen when a certain period of time has elapsed since the input device was not operated.

5. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, The control device determines whether the work machine is in an operable state, and when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

6. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, the control device determines an operation state of the work machine, and when the work machine transitions from a non-operation state to an operation state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

7. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, A camera is provided for photographing the surroundings of the work machine, a camera image captured by the camera is displayed on the first display screen and the second display screen; A work machine, characterized in that a display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the second display screen is larger than a display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the first display screen.

8. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, the input device is configured with a plurality of operation units to which the predetermined functions can be respectively assigned, the control device, when a specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units receives an operation while the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen; a first display screen including setting information for functions assigned to the specific operation unit as well as setting information for functions assigned to an operation unit among the plurality of operation units that is different from the specific operation unit.

9. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, The control device is characterized in that, when a screen operation function for operating a display screen displayed on the display device is assigned to the input device and the input device accepts an operation, the control device executes screen operation processing regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen.

10. 3. The work machine according to claim 2, A work machine characterized in that the input device receives an operation for switching a function assigned to the input device and an operation for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the input device.

11. 3. The work machine according to claim 2, a control unit for controlling a volume of an audio system in a cab of the work machine, and a control unit for controlling an air conditioner in the cab of the work machine, the control unit being operable to adjust a rotation speed of a prime mover that drives the work machine, the control unit being operable to adjust a volume of an audio system in a cab of the work machine, and a control unit being operable to adjust a volume of an air conditioner in the cab of the work machine.

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