Shovel

Abstract

To utilize a multi-functional portable information terminal possessed by a user in operation of a shovel.SOLUTION: A shovel has a lower traveling body 1, an upper turning body 3 turnably mounted on the lower traveling body 1, a cabin 10 provided on the upper turning body 3, a driver seat provided on the cabin 10, and a mounting part 54 which is provided in the vicinity of the driver seat and acts as a holding part for mounting a multi-functional portable information terminal 40 as a portable terminal. In a state in which the multi-functional portable information terminal 40 is arranged in the mounting part 54, power can be supplied to the multi-functional portable information terminal 40 from a power source part of the shovel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an excavator in which an operator performs work while operating a control device in the driver's seat.

Background Art

[0002] It has been proposed to manage the operation of an excavator by a management device using a computer. In order for an operator to input working conditions or display information indicating operating conditions and operating status to the operator, it has been proposed to arrange a monitor device including an input device and a display device in the driver's cab of the excavator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an existing monitor device is installed near the driver's seat, since the monitor device itself is large, there is a risk of obstructing the driver's view. In the driver's cab of an excavator, a large glass window is installed in front of the driver's seat to confirm the working position. The driver seated in the driver's seat operates the control device while visually observing the front of the driver's seat to perform work with the excavator.

[0005] Near the driver's seat, control devices and the like are arranged, and the place to arrange the monitor device is limited. As a place where the driver can easily see while looking ahead, a position close to the front frame of the driver's cab (the pillar constituting the front window) is suitable. At this position, the driver looking ahead can see the display device of the monitor device by simply shifting the line of sight slightly sideways, and can easily operate the input device of the monitor device by stretching out a hand.

[0006] However, the size of existing monitor devices is determined without considering the impact on the driver's field of view. Even if a monitor device is installed near the front frame of the cab, it may obstruct the driver's field of view. In addition, if an expensive monitor device is installed as a dedicated part in all excavators, the price of the excavator will increase accordingly.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to enable the user's multifunctional portable information terminal to be used for excavator operation.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an excavator having a lower traveling body, an upper revolving body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, a cabin provided on the upper revolving body, a driver's seat provided in the cabin, and a holding portion provided near the driver's seat for mounting a portable terminal, and capable of supplying power from a power supply portion of the excavator to the portable terminal with the portable terminal disposed in the holding portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the above invention, a user's multifunctional portable information terminal can be used for excavator operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 10

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Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Next, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view of an excavator to which the present invention is applied. An upper swing body 3 is mounted on a lower traveling body 1 of the excavator via a slewing mechanism 2. A boom 4 is attached to the upper swing body 3. An arm 5 is attached to the tip of the boom 4, and a bucket 6 is attached to the tip of the arm 5. The boom 4, the arm 5, and the bucket 6 are hydraulically driven by a boom cylinder 7, an arm cylinder 8, and a bucket cylinder 9, respectively. A cabin 10 is provided in the upper swing body 3, and a power source such as an engine is mounted. A driver's seat is provided in the cabin 10, and the driver operates the excavator while sitting on the driver's seat.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drive system of the excavator shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the mechanical power system is shown by a double line, the high-pressure hydraulic line is shown by a thick solid line, the pilot line is shown by a broken line, and the electric drive / control system is shown by a thin solid line.

[0014] The drive system of the excavator mainly consists of an engine 11, a main pump 14, a pilot pump 15, a control valve 17, an operating device 26, and a controller 30.

[0015] The engine 11 is a drive source of the excavator, for example, an engine that operates to maintain a predetermined rotational speed. The output shaft of the engine 11 is connected to the input shafts of the main pump 14 and the pilot pump 15.

[0016] The main pump 14 is a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the control valve 17 via a high-pressure hydraulic line 16, for example, a swash plate type variable displacement hydraulic pump. The pilot pump 15 is a hydraulic pump for supplying hydraulic oil to various hydraulic control devices via a pilot line 25, for example, a fixed displacement hydraulic pump.

[0017] The control valve 17 is a hydraulic control valve that controls the hydraulic system in the hydraulic excavator. The control valve 17 selectively supplies the hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump 14 to one or more of, for example, the boom cylinder 7, the arm cylinder 8, the bucket cylinder 9, the travel hydraulic motor 1A (for the right side), the travel hydraulic motor 1B (for the left side), and the swing hydraulic motor 2A. In the following description, the boom cylinder 7, the arm cylinder 8, the bucket cylinder 9, the travel hydraulic motor 1A (for the right side), the travel hydraulic motor 1B (for the left side), and the swing hydraulic motor 2A are collectively referred to as "hydraulic actuators".

[0018] The operating device 26 is a device used by the operator to operate the hydraulic actuators, and supplies the hydraulic oil supplied from the pilot pump 15 to the pilot ports of the flow control valves corresponding to each of the hydraulic actuators via the pilot line 25. The pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to each of the pilot ports is set to a pressure corresponding to the operation direction and operation amount of the levers or pedals 26A to 26C corresponding to each of the hydraulic actuators.

[0019] The controller 30 is a control device for controlling the operating speed of the hydraulic actuators, and is configured by, for example, a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the controller 30 reads out the program corresponding to the operation and function of the excavator from the ROM and expands it in the RAM, and executes the corresponding processes while executing the program.

[0020] In the excavator configured as described above, an input display device is arranged near the driver's seat to assist the driver in operating the excavator. In the present embodiment, a portable information device (generally referred to as a "portable terminal") is used as the input display device. More specifically, a so-called smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, which is a multifunctional portable information terminal as a portable terminal, is arranged near the driver's seat as the input display device. The driver can input information and commands to the control unit of the excavator by using the display input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal. In addition, information can be provided to the driver by displaying the operating status and control information of the excavator on the display unit of the multifunctional portable information terminal.

[0021] In recent years, multifunctional portable information terminals have become widely popular, and most excavator drivers own a multifunctional portable information terminal. Therefore, by providing an attachment part such as a holder for attaching the multifunctional portable information terminal at a predetermined position near the driver's seat, when starting the operation of the excavator, the excavator driver can install the personally owned multifunctional portable information terminal on the attachment part, and use the personally owned multifunctional portable information terminal as the input display device of the excavator. The portable device used as the input display device of the excavator in this way is not limited to the personally owned multifunctional portable information terminal, and may be a portable device prepared in advance by the operator for use with the excavator.

[0022] The attachment part of the multifunctional portable information terminal is provided with a connector for connecting the multifunctional portable information terminal to the control unit of the excavator to perform data communication. With the multifunctional portable information terminal attached to the attachment part, data communication can be performed between the multifunctional portable information terminal and the control unit of the excavator. Most of the multifunctional portable information terminals in recent years are provided with a socket for a micro USB connector for connection to the outside. Therefore, by providing a plug for a micro USB connector in the attachment part of the multifunctional portable information terminal, the multifunctional portable information terminal can be connected to the control unit of the excavator.

[0023] In recent years, many multifunctional mobile information terminals are equipped with a short-range wireless communication device using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a short-range wireless communication device using infrared rays. Data communication between the multifunctional mobile information terminal and the control unit of the excavator may be performed using these short-range wireless devices.

[0024] Here, when the display device of the multifunctional mobile information terminal is used, for example, the battery will run out after about 2 to 3 hours of use. If the working time of the excavator is longer than this battery consumption time, the multifunctional mobile information terminal will become unusable during the work. Therefore, in the present embodiment, power can be supplied from the power supply unit of the excavator to the multifunctional mobile information terminal in a state where the multifunctional mobile information terminal is attached to the attachment part.

[0025] Specifically, for example, when data communication is performed using the micro USB connector as described above, power supply can be performed via this micro USB connector. When the multifunctional mobile information terminal has a connector dedicated to power supply, a connector that can be connected to such a connector may be provided in the attachment part.

[0026] As described above, by providing an attachment part for the multifunctional mobile information terminal near the driver's seat in the cabin 10 of the excavator, the multifunctional mobile information terminal can be used as an input display device of the excavator simply by attaching the multifunctional mobile information terminal to the attachment part.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inside of the cabin provided with the attachment part for the multifunctional mobile information terminal. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cabin provided with the attachment part for the multifunctional mobile information terminal.

[0028] The mounting portion 50 for attaching the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 includes a mounting base 52 and a mounting section 54 supported by the mounting base 52. The mounting base 52 is attached and fixed to the frame 10a of the cabin 10 provided with the driver's seat 60. The mounting section 54 is supported by the mounting base via a vibration damping mechanism 56 including an elastic body such as a spring or soft rubber, so that vibrations and impacts of the cabin 10 are not directly transmitted to the mounting section 54 via the mounting base 52. That is, the mounting section 54 is supported by the mounting base 52 via the vibration damping mechanism 56, and vibrations and impacts of the cabin 10 transmitted to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 fixed to the mounting section 54 are suppressed.

[0029] In general, the boom 4 is arranged on the right side as viewed from the driver sitting in the driver's seat 60, and the driver often operates the shovel while visually recognizing the arm 5 and the bucket 6 attached to the tip of the boom 4. The front right frame 10a of the cabin 10 is a portion that obstructs the driver's view, but in this embodiment, the mounting portion 50 of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is provided using this portion. As a result, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is arranged in a portion that originally obstructed the view, so that the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 itself does not obstruct the driver's view. Depending on the width of the frame 10a, it is preferable to vertically hold the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and fix it to the holding portion (mounting section 54) so that the entire multifunctional portable information terminal 40 fits within the width of the frame 10a.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the connection between the controller 30 (control device) of the excavator and the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the attachment portion 50 includes a switch panel 51. The switch panel 51 is a panel including various hardware switches and is attached to the mounting portion 54. In the present embodiment, the switch panel 51 includes a light switch 51a, a wiper switch 51b, and a window washer switch 51c as hardware buttons. The light switch 51a is a switch for switching on and off the lights attached to the outside of the cabin 10. The wiper switch 51b is a switch for switching the operation and stop of the wiper. Further, the window washer switch 51c is a switch for injecting window washer fluid.

[0031] When the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is attached to the mounting portion 54 of the attachment portion 50, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is connected to the controller 30 of the excavator via the connection portion 58. More specifically, the plug of the micro USB connector provided in the mounting portion 54 is inserted and connected to the receptacle (socket) of the micro USB connector on the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 side, enabling data communication between the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and the controller 30. In the present embodiment, the micro USB connector constitutes the connection portion 58.

[0032] The micro-USB connector is a connector that enables power supply along with connection for data communication. The controller 30 is driven by power supplied from a storage battery 70 (for example, a 24V battery) provided in the excavator. Since the controller 30 can supply the power from the storage battery 70 to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 via the connection part 58, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can operate with the power supplied from the storage battery 70 of the excavator without consuming its own battery. Therefore, even if the working time on the excavator is long, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can always be used during the working time of the excavator without worrying about the remaining battery level of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. Further, the form of the connection part 58 is not limited to a contact type that brings wirings into contact with each other like a micro-USB connector, and a non-contact type may also be used.

[0033] Note that the storage battery 70 is charged with the power generated by the alternator 11a (generator) of the engine 11. The power of the storage battery 70 is also supplied to the electrical equipment 72 of the excavator other than the controller 30. Further, the starter 11b of the engine 11 is driven by the power from the storage battery 70 to start the engine 11.

[0034] The engine 11 is controlled by an engine control unit (ECU) 74. Various data indicating the state of the engine 11 (for example, data indicating the coolant water temperature (physical quantity)) are constantly transmitted from the ECU 74 to the controller 30. Therefore, the controller 30 can store this data in the temporary storage part (memory) 30a and transmit it to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 when necessary.

[0035] Various types of data are supplied to the controller 30 as follows and stored in the temporary storage part 30a of the controller 30.

[0036] First, data indicating the swash plate angle is supplied from the regulator 14a of the main pump 14, which is a variable displacement hydraulic pump, to the controller 30. Also, data indicating the discharge pressure of the main pump 14 is sent from the discharge pressure sensor 14b to the controller 30. These data (data representing physical quantities) are stored in the temporary storage unit 30a. A tank storing the hydraulic oil sucked by the main pump 14 is provided with an oil temperature sensor 14c, and data representing the temperature of the hydraulic oil in the tank is supplied from the oil temperature sensor 14c to the controller 30.

[0037] Also, the pilot pressure sent to the control valve 17 when the operation levers 26A to 26C are operated is detected by the hydraulic pressure sensors 15a and 15b, and data indicating the detected pilot pressure is sent to the controller 30. This data (data representing physical quantities) is stored in the temporary storage unit 30a.

[0038] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the excavator is provided with an engine speed adjustment dial 75 in the cabin 10. The engine speed adjustment dial 75 is a dial for adjusting the engine speed, and in the present embodiment, the engine speed can be switched in four steps. Also, data indicating the set state of the engine speed is constantly transmitted from the engine speed adjustment dial 75 to the controller 30. Further, the engine speed adjustment dial 75 can switch the engine speed in four steps: SP mode, H mode, A mode, and idling mode. Note that FIG. 5 shows a state in which the H mode is selected by the engine speed adjustment dial 75.

[0039] The SP mode is a working mode selected when you want to prioritize the amount of work and utilizes the highest engine speed. The H mode is a working mode selected when you want to balance the amount of work and fuel consumption and utilizes the second highest engine speed. The A mode is a working mode selected when you want to operate the excavator with low noise while prioritizing fuel consumption and utilizes the third highest engine speed. The idling mode is a working mode selected when you want to put the engine in an idling state and utilizes the lowest engine speed. And the engine 11 is constantly speed-controlled at the engine speed of the working mode set by the adjustment dial 75.

[0040] Here, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an excavator control application software (hereinafter referred to as "excavator control app") operating on the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the main screen of the excavator control app, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process (hereinafter referred to as "main screen display process") in which the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the main screen of the excavator control app.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the main screen 41 of the excavator control app is displayed on the display input device 40c of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. In the present embodiment, the main screen 41 includes a time display section 41a, a travel mode display section 41b, an attachment display section 41c, an average fuel consumption display section 41d, an exhaust gas filter status display section 41e, an engine operation time display section 41f, a coolant water temperature display section 41g, a fuel remaining amount display section 41h, a working mode display section 41i, and an operating oil temperature display section 41k.

[0042] The time display section 41a is an area for displaying the current time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, digital display is adopted, indicating that the current time is "9:25".

[0043] The traveling mode display section 41b is an area for displaying the current traveling mode. The traveling mode represents the setting state of a traveling hydraulic motor using a variable displacement pump. Specifically, the traveling mode has a low speed mode and a high speed mode. The low speed mode is displayed with a mark resembling a "turtle", and the high speed mode is displayed with a mark resembling a "rabbit". In the example shown in FIG. 6, a mark resembling a "rabbit" is displayed, and the driver can recognize that the high speed mode is set.

[0044] The attachment display section 41c is an area for displaying an image representing the currently attached attachment. Attachments mounted on the excavator include various attachments such as a bucket, a rock drill, a grapple, and a lifting magnet. The attachment display section 41c displays, for example, marks resembling these attachments and numbers corresponding to the attachments. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a mark resembling a rock drill is displayed, and "3" is displayed as a number indicating the output magnitude of the rock drill.

[0045] The average fuel consumption display section 41d is an area for displaying the current average fuel consumption. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a value using the unit [L / hr (liters / hour)] is displayed. The current average fuel consumption may be displayed using other expression methods such as a bar graph. Note that the average fuel consumption is obtained based on the command value of the fuel injection amount transmitted from the controller 30 to the engine 11.

[0046] The exhaust gas filter state display section 41e is an area for displaying the degree of clogging of an exhaust gas filter (for example, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)). In the example shown in FIG. 6, a bar graph representing the ratio of the current usage time to the maximum usage time of the exhaust gas filter is displayed.

[0047] The engine operating time display section 41f is an area for displaying the cumulative operating time of the engine. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a value using the unit "hr (hour)" is displayed.

[0048] The coolant water temperature display section 41g is an area that displays the current temperature of the engine coolant water. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a bar graph representing the state of the coolant water temperature is displayed.

[0049] The fuel remaining amount display section 41h is an area that displays the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a bar graph representing the state of the current fuel remaining amount is displayed.

[0050] The operation mode display section 41i is an area that displays the current operation mode. The operation mode includes, for example, the four modes of the above-described SP mode, H mode, A mode, and idling mode. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the symbol "H" representing the H mode is displayed.

[0051] The hydraulic oil temperature display section 41k is an area that displays the temperature of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a bar graph representing the state of the hydraulic oil temperature is displayed.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of the main screen display process will be described. Each time the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is attached to the mounting portion 54 of the attachment portion 50, this main screen display process is executed. Further, the excavator control application is downloaded through a network. Note that the excavator control application may be distributed using a recording medium.

[0053] First, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 activates the excavator control application (step S1).

[0054] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 transmits its own identification information stored in advance to the controller 30 and attempts to obtain authentication by the controller 30 (step S2).

[0055] If the authentication by the controller 30 cannot be obtained (NO in step S2), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 ends the current main screen display process without starting cooperation with the controller 30 and without displaying the main screen 41.

[0056] On the other hand, when the authentication by the controller 30 is obtained (YES in step S2), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 starts cooperation with the controller 30 (step S3). Specifically, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 receives various data (such as remaining fuel amount) necessary for displaying the main screen 41 from the controller 30.

[0057] After that, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the main screen 41, and updates the display contents in display parts such as the travel mode display part 41b and the attachment display part 41c based on the various data received from the controller 30 (step S4).

[0058] In this way, after starting cooperation with the controller 30, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the main screen 41 on the display input device 40c. Also, by starting cooperation with the multifunctional portable information terminal 40, the controller 30 becomes in a state where it can accept commands from the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0059] Here, referring to FIG. 5 again, the cooperation between the controller 30 of the excavator and the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 will be described.

[0060] In this embodiment, a switch 42 that the driver operates when wanting to use the voice input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is provided on, for example, the operation lever 26A. When the driver operates the switch 42, a signal is sent to the controller 30. Based on this signal, the controller 30 sends a control signal to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 to turn on the voice input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0061] In this way, the driver can easily operate the switch 42 without releasing the hand from the control lever, and can input commands to the control device of the excavator by using the voice input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0062] As the microphone for voice input, the microphone 40a incorporated in the main body of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can be used. That is, after the driver operates the switch 42 provided on the control lever and then voices a desired command toward the multifunctional portable information terminal 40, an audio signal is input from the microphone 40a to the voice recognition unit 40b of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. The voice recognition unit 40b of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 performs voice recognition processing on the audio signal input from the microphone 40a and determines a command corresponding to the input audio signal. The command determined by the voice recognition unit 40b is displayed on the display input device 40c (for example, a touch panel) of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and is sent to the controller 30 of the excavator via the connection unit 58. In this way, the command intended by the driver is input to the excavator via the voice recognition function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. Note that an external microphone 44 may be connected to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and arranged at a position where it is easy for the driver to input voice.

[0063] Here, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, as an example of voice input, the case where the driver increases the rotational speed of the engine 11 by voice input will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process (hereinafter referred to as "voice command execution process") in which the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 recognizes a voice command of the driver and causes the controller 30 to execute a function corresponding to the voice command. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen (hereinafter referred to as "voice command recognition screen") displayed on the display input device 40c when the voice recognition unit 40b can recognize the content of the voice input by the driver as a voice command.

[0064] First, the voice recognition unit 40b of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 determines whether it can recognize the voice input by the driver as a voice command (step S11).

[0065] When the voice input by the driver cannot be recognized as a voice command (NO in step S11), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 ends the current voice command execution process. For example, even if the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can recognize the driver's voice as a meaningful word, if the word does not correspond to a predetermined word registered in advance (hereinafter referred to as "registered word"), it is determined that it is not a voice command and the voice command execution process is ended.

[0066] On the other hand, when the voice input by the driver can be recognized as a voice command (NO in step S11), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the content of the recognized voice command on the display input device 40c (step S12).

[0067] FIG. 9 is an example of a voice command recognition screen, and shows a voice command recognition screen when the voice input "SP" by the driver can be recognized as the registered word "SP" corresponding to the function of increasing the engine speed. In this case, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 pops up and displays a voice command display section 41m including the content of the recognized voice command "engine speed up" and the registered word "SP".

[0068] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 transmits a command signal corresponding to the recognized voice command to the controller 30 (step S13). Note that steps S12 and S13 are not in a fixed order, and the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 may display the voice command recognition screen after transmitting the command signal, or may execute the transmission of the command signal and the display of the voice command recognition screen simultaneously.

[0069] Thereafter, the controller 30 that has received the command signal executes the function corresponding to the command signal (step S14). In the present embodiment, the controller 30 executes the function of increasing the engine speed.

[0070] In this way, the driver can increase the engine speed by using the voice input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0071] More specifically, to perform voice input, first, the driver presses a switch 42 provided on an operation lever 26A. As a result, the voice recognition unit 40b of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 is turned on. Then, when the driver voices "engine speed up" or "SP", the microphone 40a of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 picks up the driver's voice and sends a voice signal corresponding to the voice to the voice recognition unit 40b.

[0072] The voice recognition unit 40b of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 performs voice recognition processing on the sent voice signal and transmits a processing signal for instructing "engine speed up" to the controller 30. Upon receiving this, the controller 30 sends a command to the ECU 74 to increase the engine speed by a predetermined number of revolutions based on the processing signal. The ECU 74 that has received this command increases the engine speed of the engine 11 by a predetermined number of revolutions.

[0073] Furthermore, the controller 30 transmits a signal to the regulator to increase the output horsepower of the main pump 14 in response to the increase in the engine speed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the pump output characteristic is changed, for example, from I1 to I2, and the output horsepower of the main pump 14 is increased.

[0074] Note that FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the discharge pressure (P) and the discharge flow rate (Q) of the main pump 14 when the engine speed of the engine 11 is constant. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the engine speed can be changed in five steps, and the pump output characteristics of the main pump 14 at each engine speed are IMIN, I1, I2, I3, and IMAX, respectively.

[0075] Note that the driver may execute functions other than the function of increasing the engine speed using the voice input function of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. For example, the driver may execute a function of switching the driving mode, a function of displaying an image captured by a camera attached to the excavator on the display input device 40c, a function of establishing communication between the controller 30 and a management device 90 outside the excavator, and the like.

[0076] For example, a construction vehicle may be provided with an imaging device 80 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) for photographing portions outside the driver's field of view. For example, it is a so-called back monitor camera that images the direction opposite to the direction in which the cab 10 faces (rearward) and provides the driver with the video. In the present embodiment, the video data obtained by the imaging device 80 is sent to the controller 30. The controller 30 sends the sent video data to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and causes the video to be displayed on the display input device 40c of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. Thereby, the driver can visually recognize the video imaged by the imaging device 80 on the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which an image photographed by a back monitor camera is displayed on the display unit 40c of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. An image of the vicinity of the rear part of the construction vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver is projected on the display unit 40c of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40, and the driver can check the situation behind the construction vehicle by shifting their eyes to the display unit 40c of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 while facing forward. Note that the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 may display an image photographed by a side monitor camera so that the driver can check the situation on the side of the construction vehicle.

[0078] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 as the display input device of the construction vehicle, the user can easily install the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 on the construction vehicle and use it as the display input device without having to initially install an expensive dedicated display input device on the construction vehicle. In addition, various controls and management of the construction vehicle can be performed using the various functions of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40. For example, functions of the multifunctional portable information terminal that can be used include a telephone function, an imaging function, a vibration measurement function, a direction determination function, a GPS function, and a map display function. Further, not only the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 such as a smartphone but also a glasses-type multifunctional portable information terminal may be used as the display input device of the construction vehicle.

[0079] In the excavator configured as described above, the controller 30 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the excavator based on the information including the various data described above. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the data accumulated in the temporary storage unit 30a from the time t1 a predetermined time before the determined time to the time t2 when it is determined that the abnormality has occurred is transmitted to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0080] The multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the data sent from the controller 30 in time series or displays it as a graph on the display input unit 40c. The operator of the excavator can view the time series data and graph displayed on the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 to grasp the state of the excavator before the abnormality occurred, and can determine, for example, what kind of abnormality it is and which part the abnormality is caused by.

[0081] Alternatively, the data sent from the controller 30 as described above may be transmitted to a remote management device 90 using the wireless communication function (for example, packet communication) of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and displayed on the management device 90. The management device 90 is, for example, a computer installed in an excavator manufacturer or service center, and professional staff can remotely grasp the situation of the corresponding excavator. Therefore, before going to repair the excavator, the cause of the failure can be specified or estimated in advance. As a result, the parts and the like necessary for repairing the excavator can be brought, and the time spent on maintenance and repair can be shortened.

[0082] Alternatively, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the controller 30 may transfer the data accumulated in the temporary storage unit 30a to the abnormality information storage unit in the controller 30. The data transferred to the abnormality information storage unit may be sent to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 for display or further sent from the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 to the management device 90 of the service center via the communication network when needed later. At the service center, the data at the time of the abnormality occurrence can be displayed on the display unit of the management device 90 to estimate the part and type of the abnormality occurrence.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the processing executed by the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 when an abnormality of the excavator is detected (hereinafter referred to as "processing at the time of excavator abnormality") will be described. Note that FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing at the time of excavator abnormality. FIGS. 13 and 14 are examples of screens (hereinafter referred to as "communication link screens") for displaying various information acquired via communication with the management device 90. The multifunctional portable information terminal 40 executes this processing at the time of excavator abnormality when an abnormality of the excavator is detected based on a notification from the controller 30.

[0084] First, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays a communication link screen (step S21). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the communication link screen includes an agency information display section 41n, a transmission button 41p, and a call button 41q. The agency information display section 41n is an area for displaying information regarding contact destinations at the time of excavator abnormality, such as agencies of the excavator sales company. The transmission button 41p and the call button 41q are software buttons displayed on the display input device 40c. When the transmission button 41p is tapped, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 transmits data stored in a predetermined area in the controller 30 to the management device 90. When the call button 41q is tapped, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 makes a call to the contact selected on the display input device 40c.

[0085] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 transmits its own position information to the management device 90 (step S22). In the present embodiment, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 transmits the position information acquired using the GPS function to the management device 90. The management device 90 searches for information regarding agencies and the like existing within a predetermined distance range from the current position of the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 based on the position information received from the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 and generates agency information. Then, the management device 90 transmits the generated agency information to the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0086] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 receives agency information from the management device 90 (step S23), and displays the received agency information on the agency information display section 41n of the communication link screen (step S24). FIG. 13 shows a state in which three agencies are retrieved as the nearest agencies.

[0087] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 determines whether a specific agency has been selected (step S25). In the present embodiment, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 determines whether any of the areas corresponding to each of the three agencies in the agency information display section 41n has been tapped by the driver.

[0088] If it is determined that a specific agency has not been selected yet (NO in step S25), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 waits as it is until a specific agency is selected.

[0089] If it is determined that a specific agency has been selected (YES in step S25), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays the selected agency and detailed information of the selected agency on the display input device 40c (step S26). In the present embodiment, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays a communication link screen including a selected agency display section 41r for displaying the selected specific agency and a detailed information display section 41s for displaying more detailed information of the selected specific agency. FIG. 14 shows a state in which a specific agency is selected and more detailed information of the selected agency is displayed.

[0090] Thereafter, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 determines whether the transmission button 41p has been tapped (step S27).

[0091] If it is determined that the transmission button 41p has not been tapped (NO in step S27), the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 waits as it is until it is tapped.

[0092] On the other hand, when it is determined that the transmission button 41p has been tapped (YES in step S27), the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 transmits a data transfer command to the controller 30 (step S28). In the present embodiment, the controller 30 that has received the data transfer command transmits the data stored in a predetermined area such as the temporary storage unit 30a and the abnormal information storage unit to the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40.

[0093] Thereafter, the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 receives the data transmitted from the controller 30 (step S29), and transfers the received data to the management device 90 (step S30).

[0094] Note that when the call button 41q of the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 is tapped, a call is made to the phone number of the selected agency.

[0095] In this way, when an abnormality is detected in the excavator, the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 automatically displays the communication link screen, enabling the operator to easily take measures such as contacting the agency.

[0096] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, another example of the communication link screen displayed on the display input device 40c during the excavator abnormality process will be described. The communication link screen in FIG. 15 includes a transmission button 41p, a call button 41q, a detailed information display section 41s, and a map display section 41t.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 receives agency information from the management device 90 and displays this communication link screen on the display input device 40c after a specific agency is selected. Note that the multifunctional mobile information terminal 40 may display this communication link screen before a specific agency is selected.

[0098] The map display section 41t is a part that displays map information, and includes a current position icon 41u representing the current position of the excavator (multifunctional mobile information terminal 40) and an agency position icon 41v representing the position of the searched or selected agency.

[0099] The driver can perform operations such as scrolling, zooming out, and zooming in of the map information on the map display section 41t while using operations such as a swipe operation, a pinch-in operation, and a pinch-out operation on the multifunctional portable information terminal 40.

[0100] In this way, when an abnormality is detected in the excavator, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 displays map information, enabling the driver to easily recognize the positional relationship between the excavator and the dealership. In addition, the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 does not require a dedicated communication controller attached to the excavator, and can reduce the cost of the excavator. Further, the vibration measurement function provided in the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can be used for failure analysis of the components constituting the excavator. Moreover, the azimuth determination function provided in the multifunctional portable information terminal 40 can be used when displaying the direction of the excavator on the map display section 41t.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the multifunctional portable information terminal is attached to the excavator, but it may be attached to a hybrid excavator having a configuration as shown in FIG. 16. Hereinafter, the configuration of the hybrid excavator will be described. In FIG. 16, the mechanical power system is indicated by a double line, the high-pressure hydraulic line is indicated by a thick solid line, the pilot line is indicated by a broken line, and the electric drive / control system is indicated by a thin solid line.

[0102] The engine 11 as a mechanical drive unit and the motor generator 12 as an assist drive unit are respectively connected to two input shafts of the transmission 13. A main pump 14 and a pilot pump 15 as hydraulic pumps are connected to the output shaft of the transmission 13. A control valve 17 is connected to the main pump 14 via a high-pressure hydraulic line 16.

[0103] The control valve 17 is a control device that controls the hydraulic system in the hybrid excavator. The hydraulic motors 1A (for the right side) and 1B (for the left side) for the lower traveling body 1, the boom cylinder 7, the arm cylinder 8, and the bucket cylinder 9 are connected to the control valve 17 via high-pressure hydraulic lines.

[0104] The motor generator 12 is connected to a power storage system 120 including a capacitor as a power storage device via an inverter 18A. The power storage system 120 is connected to a swing electric motor 21 as an electric working element via an inverter 20. A resolver 22, a mechanical brake 23, and a swing speed changer 24 are connected to the rotating shaft 21A of the swing electric motor 21. Also, an operating device 26 is connected to the pilot pump 15 via a pilot line 25. The swing electric motor 21, the inverter 20, the resolver 22, the mechanical brake 23, and the swing speed changer 24 constitute a load drive system.

[0105] The operating device 26 includes a lever 26A, a lever 26B, and a pedal 26C. The lever 26A, the lever 26B, and the pedal 26C are connected to the control valve 17 and the pressure sensor 29 via hydraulic lines 27 and 28, respectively. The pressure sensor 29 is connected to a controller 30 that performs drive control of the electric system.

[0106] The controller 30 is a control device that serves as a main control unit for controlling the drive of the hybrid excavator. The controller 30 is composed of an arithmetic processing unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an internal memory, and is a device realized by the CPU executing a program for drive control stored in the internal memory.

[0107] The controller 30 converts the signal supplied from the pressure sensor 29 into a speed command and controls the drive of the swing electric motor 21. The signal supplied from the pressure sensor 29 corresponds to a signal representing the operation amount when the operating device 26 is operated to swing the swing mechanism 2.

[0108] The controller 30 controls the operation of the motor generator 12 (switching between electric (assist) operation and power generation operation), and controls the charging and discharging of the capacitor, which is the power storage unit of the power storage system 120, by driving and controlling the boost converter of the power storage system 120. Based on the charge state of the capacitor, the operation state of the motor generator 12 (electric (assist) operation or power generation operation), and the operation state of the swing motor 21 (power running operation or regenerative operation), the controller 30 performs switching control between the boost operation and the buck operation of the boost converter, thereby controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor.

[0109] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-160909 filed on July 19, 2012, and incorporates the entire contents of the Japanese patent application by reference.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1 Lower Traveling Body 1A, 1B Hydraulic Motors 2 Swing Mechanism 2A Swing Hydraulic Motor 3 Upper Swing Structure 4 Boom 5 Arm 6 Bucket 7 Boom Cylinder 8 Arm Cylinder 9 Bucket Cylinder 10 Cabin 10a Frame 11 Engine 12 Motor Generator 13 Transmission 14 Main Pump 14a Regulator 14b Discharge Pressure Sensor 14c Oil Temperature Sensor 15 Pilot Pump 16 High-Pressure Hydraulic Line 17 Control Valve 18, 20 Inverter 21 Swing Motor 22 Resolver 23 Mechanical Brake 24 Swing Transmission 25 Pilot Line 26 Operating Device 26A, 26B Lever 26C Pedal 26D Button Switch 30 Controller 30a Temporary Storage Unit 40 Multifunctional Portable Information Terminal 40a Microphone 40b Voice Recognition Unit 40c Display Input Device 41 Main Screen 41a Time Display Section 41b Travel Mode Display Section 41c Attachment Display Section 41d Average Fuel Consumption Display Section 41e Exhaust Gas Filter Status Display Section 41f Engine Operating Time Display Section 41g Cooling Water Temperature Display Section 41h Fuel Remaining Quantity Display Section 41i Working Mode Display Section 41k Operating Oil Temperature Display Section 41m Voice Command Display Section 41n Dealer Information Display Section 41p Transmission Button 41q Call Button 41r Selected Dealer Display Section 41s Detailed Information Display Section 41t Map Display Section 41u Current Location Icon 41v Dealer Location Icon 50 Mounting Portion 51 Switch Panel 51a Light Switch 51b Wiper Switch 51c Window Washer Switch 52 Installation Stand 54 Mounting Section 56 Vibration Damping Mechanism 58 Connection Section 60 Driver's Seat 70 Battery 72 Electrical component 75 Engine speed adjustment dial 80 Imaging device 90 Management device

Claims

【Claim 1】 A lower traveling body, an upper slewing body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, a cabin provided on the upper slewing body, a driver's seat provided in the cabin, a holding part provided near the driver's seat and equipped with a mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal can be supplied with power from the power supply part of the excavator in a state where the mobile terminal is arranged in the holding part. An excavator.

Images