Systems, methods, and machines for engine restart via joystick action

Abstract

Systems, methods, and machines for engine restart via joystick action The work machine (1) includes a joystick (22) that controls movement of the work machine (1), a lock lever (20) that controls a hydraulic system of the work machine (1), a display (23) that outputs information to an operator in the work machine (1), and a processing circuit (12). The processing circuit (12) is configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever (20), perform an idling stop operation of the engine (11) of the work machine (1), output a command to the display (23) for the operator to operate the joystick (22) to restart the engine (11) of the work machine (1), detect a predetermined operation of the joystick (22), perform an engine restart operation under conditions where the predetermined operation of the joystick (22) is detected, and unlock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Certain types of construction machines may be provided with an automatic stop function that can automatically stop the engine in response to a predetermined automatic stop condition (such as a condition in which an operating lever adapted to operate a work actuator is not operated).

[0003] Japanese Patent JP3825289B2 ("JP'289 Patent") describes an engine control device for a work machine that can perform an idling stop operation or a restart operation on the engine without operating a key switch. According to the JP'289 Patent, the engine can be restarted by the operator of the work machine operating a control lever or a one-touch operation button switch mounted on the control lever, without operating a key switch.

[0004] On the other hand, the construction machine may have a lock lever that can switch the hydraulic circuit between an operable state and an inoperable state, and the engine may also be stopped by operating the lock lever.

[0005] It is desirable to be able to restart the engine of a work machine by satisfying the availability and safety requirements of the control and lock levers. It may also be desirable to restart the engine without having to press a push-to-start (PTS) button. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, a work machine is described or provided. The work machine may include a joystick for controlling movement of the work machine, a lock lever for controlling a hydraulic system of the work machine, a display for outputting information to an operator within the work machine, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever, perform an idle-stop operation of the work machine engine, output instructions to the display for an operator to operate the joystick lever to restart the work machine engine, detect a predetermined movement of the joystick, perform an engine restart operation under conditions where the predetermined movement of the joystick is detected, and unlock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for a work machine is disclosed or implemented, the method including outputting, on a display of the work machine, a command for an operator to operate an operating lever to restart an engine of the work machine, the operating lever controlling movement of the work machine after an idle-stop operation, detecting a predetermined operation of the operating lever while the hydraulic system is locked without a first input to a lock lever, the first input being a first physical input for locking the hydraulic system with the lock lever, performing an engine restart operation, determining that the operating lever is in a neutral position, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the lock lever, the second input being a second physical input for unlocking the hydraulic system with the lock lever.

[0008] Also, in another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed or provided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an information processing system of a work machine, cause the information processing system to perform a method including locking a hydraulic system without a first mechanical input, performing an idle-stop operation of an engine of the work machine, determining in response to the output information a command for an operator to operate an operating lever to restart the engine of the work machine, and, under a condition where a predetermined operation of the operating lever has been determined, performing the engine restart operation, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical input.

[0009] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an excavator as an example of a work machine in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter that may be implemented on a work machine according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary operator interface in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines having a joystick for controlling engine restart, and systems, assemblies, and methods thereof. Generally, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can implement a work machine that can lock the hydraulic system by software during an idle stop operation regardless of the position of the lock lever, and can further restart the engine by detecting a predetermined movement of the joystick lever, for example, to satisfy the safety condition and usability of the work machine.

[0012] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic excavator as a work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to hydraulic excavators. With respect to the work machine 1, an upper rotating body 2 can be rotatably mounted on an undercarriage 3 via a slewing bearing 4 as a machine body. A cab 5 is provided on one side of the front of the upper rotating body 2, and a driver's seat, one or more operating levers, etc. are installed inside the cab 5. Furthermore, a boom 6 for excavation work can be attached to the other side of the front of the upper rotating body 2. An engine 11 (shown in FIG. 2) and a power unit such as a hydraulic pump driven by the engine are mounted on the rear of the upper rotating body 2 and can be covered with a power unit cover 7.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a system schematic of the work machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As shown in FIG. 2, engine 11, which functions as a power source, can be controlled by a controller 12, which may control the start, stop, and rotation speed of engine 11. The start of engine 11 can be controlled, for example, by a control signal from controller 12 via governor controller 13, or by a general-purpose circuit for supplying power from battery 14 to starter motor 15, which starts engine 11, via start switch 17. Controller 12 in FIG. 2 can, for example, perform an idle stop operation so that engine 11 can be automatically stopped if work machine 1 has been in an idle state for more than a predetermined period of time.

[0014] Hydraulic pump 18 is rotationally driven by engine 11, and pressurized oil discharged from hydraulic pump 18 is sent to various hydraulic actuators (for example, hydraulic cylinders of the arm and bucket attached to the end of boom 6, and hydraulic motors of upper rotating body 2 and lower traveling body 3 of work machine 1) via actuator circuit 19. The hydraulic actuators and hydraulic motors for work machine 1 can be controlled by control signals from controller 12 by operating lock lever 20.

[0015] The lock lever 20 may be a lever for operating the hydraulic system of the work machine 1. The lock lever 20 shown in FIG. 2 can be mounted on the cab 5 shown in FIG. 1, and the operator of the work machine 1 can manually move the lock lever 20 from a locked position (i.e., locked state) to an unlocked position (i.e., unlocked state). In particular, the controller 12 may detect a lock release signal using the limit switch 21 and may operate control of the hydraulic actuator when the lock lever 20 is in the unlocked position. On the other hand, when the lock lever 20 is in the locked position, the controller 12 may execute control such that the operation of the hydraulic actuator is stopped. In other words, the controller 12 can control the operation of a hydraulic lock valve to activate the hydraulic lock when the lock lever 20 is opened (locked state) and release the hydraulic lock when the lock lever 20 is closed (unlocked state) as described above based on a signal from the limit switch 21.

[0016] Optionally or alternatively, the lock lever 20 can function as a gate lever that may prevent the operator from entering or exiting the cab 5 in an unlocked state, while the lock lever 20 can allow the operator to enter or exit the cab 5 in a locked state.

[0017] The start switch 17 may be a switch that turns on and off the power supplied to the engine 11 during normal operation. The start switch 17 shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in the cab 5 shown in FIG. 1. Optionally or alternatively, the start switch 17 may be implemented as a push-to-start (PTS) button that may require the operator to perform a two-step operation, including rotating the PTS button and then pressing the center of the PTS button, to safely start the engine 11. More specifically, the operator may rotate the PTS button from the “off” position to the “start” position, and then a message to press the PTS button may be displayed on the operator interface 23. In response to the message, the operator may press the center of the PTS button so that an engine start command signal is sent to the starter motor 15 via the controller 12, ultimately starting the engine 11. Here, it may not be useful for the operator to operate the start switch 17 every time the engine 11 needs to be restarted after an idle-stop operation.

[0018] The joystick lever(s) 22 may be control levers for operating the movement of the work machine 1, such as the rotational movement of the upper rotating body 2 and the drive movement of the undercarriage 3. The joystick lever(s) 22 shown in FIG. 2 may be mounted on the cab 5 shown in FIG. 1. As an example, the work machine 1 may include a set of two joystick levers 22 for each hand, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] In this embodiment, the joystick levers 22 can also be used to control restart of the engine 11 by complementing a predetermined action after engine shutdown. For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from any one of the two joystick levers 22 is greater than 75% (i.e., tilt) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 may determine the input as a predetermined action. The implementation of restarting the engine 11 by input from the joystick levers 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0020] Operator interface 23 may be, for example, a control panel embodied on or as a display device operative to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides part or all of operator interface 23. Operator interface 23 may be (or be part of) a keypad and / or a touch panel for displaying selectable content on a screen and receiving input from an operator of work machine 1. Such an operator interface 23 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented using multiple display devices. In this embodiment, operator interface 23 may show the operator the status (or statuses) of engine 11 and hydraulic lock information.

[0021] It should be noted that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the particular arrangement of work machine 1 shown in Figure 2. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include more elements for operating work machine 1 and controlling engine stop / restart functions of work machine 1.

[0022] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a block diagram of a control system 31 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As shown in Figure 3, the control system 31 can include a controller 38, which may be implemented in or using control circuitry, one or more operator inputs 32, a communication unit 33, a memory 34, one or more displays 35, an audio unit 36, and one or more sensors 37. As used herein, controller 38 can include only one controller or multiple controllers.

[0023] The memory 34 is operably coupled to the controller 38 and may be external to the controller 38, as shown in FIG. 3 , or may be internal to, i.e., part of, the controller 38. Generally, the memory 34 may receive and store data or information related to the operation of the work machine 1. As an example, the memory 34 may receive and store setting information for predetermined movements of the joystick lever 22.

[0024] The communication unit 33 may be (or may be part of) the communication system 31. In this regard, the communication unit 33 may include transmitting circuitry for transmitting information or data, such as engine status and / or hydraulic lock status information, to a back office system. Optionally, the communication unit 33 may have receiving circuitry for receiving information or data, for example, from a back office system. In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 may be configured using a communication device such as a local CAN, a wired or wireless LAN, a Bluetooth communication card, a communication router, a communication modem, or the like.

[0025] Audio unit 36 ​​may comprise one or more audio speakers, for example, located within cab 5, for outputting audible information, such as alerts, to an operator of work machine 1. By way of example, audio unit 36 ​​may output an audible alert that lock lever 22 is unlocked when the operator exits cab 5. For example, audio unit 36 ​​may output an audible message prompting the operator to move joystick lever 22 to restart engine 11.

[0026] The one or more sensors 37 can detect various information of the work machine 1. For example, the one or more sensors 37 can include a position sensor related to the rotation or turning of the work machine 1, a three-axis acceleration sensor (including an acceleration sensor, a gravity detection sensor, and a fall detection sensor), or a three-axis gyro sensor (including an angular velocity sensor and a geomagnetic sensor), etc. Output from the one or more sensors 37 may be fed back to the controller 38. Optionally, information from at least one of the one or more sensors 37 may be displayed on the display 35.

[0027] The operator input(s) 32 may be (or may be part of) the start switch 17, the lock lever 20, the joystick lever 22, and the operator interface 23. An operator input to the start switch 17 may send an engine start command signal to the starter motor 15 shown in FIG. 2 via a controller 38 to start the engine 11 shown in FIG. 2. An operator input to the lock lever 20 may send a lock release signal to the actuator circuit 19 shown in FIG. 2 via a controller 38 to control the hydraulic lock. An operator input to the joystick lever 22 may control the operation of the work machine 1. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4-8 , an operator input to the joystick lever 22 may control the rotation or swing of the work machine 1, or may control an engine restart operation. An operator input to the operator interface 23 may be implemented by a touch panel that includes the operator interface 23.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of one or more of the displays 35 may comprise or be part of the operator interface 23 shown in Figure 2. In this regard, such at least one display 35 may be implemented on a display device operable to display a graphical user interface (GUI). Optionally, the one or more displays 35 may output alerts and messages to the operator of the work machine 1, for example, engine 11 status and hydraulic lock information.

[0029] The controller 38 may output control signals to various system components (such as the hydraulic system, the electrical system, etc.) to control the movement of the work machine 1 in response to the operator input(s) 32. The controller 38 may include a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 38 shown in Figure 3 may correspond to the controller 12 shown in Figure 2 and may perform the various functions described with reference to Figure 2.

[0030] In an exemplary implementation, the control system 31 of the work machine 1, or portions thereof, can be implemented using circuits or processing circuits that can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs ("application-specific integrated circuits"), CPUs (central processing units), microprocessors (MPUs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor can be considered a processing circuit or circuitry because it includes transistors and other circuitry. A processor can also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means can be hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the described functions. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the described functions. Where the hardware is a processor, which can be considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary operator interface 23 that may be provided on at least one display 35 or may be implemented on a display device operable to display a graphical user interface (GUI) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0032] The display 35 can display a screen 41 for displaying a message to the operator of the work machine 1 for moving the joystick lever 22. Here, in Figure 4, a field 42 may display an alert message to the operator of the work machine 1.

[0033] Similarly, field 43 may show a message prompting the operator of work machine 1 to move joystick lever 22 during an idle stop operation to restart the engine.

[0034] Optionally, the screen 41 may include a menu button 46 for presenting menu items.

[0035] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the display 35 may be equipped with a touch panel so that the operator of the work machine 1 can input setting information and commands corresponding to fields 42-46 into the controller 38 via the screen 41 using the touch panel of the display 35.

[0036] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular arrangement of fields and buttons on the screen as shown in Figure 4. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may arrange the fields and buttons in different locations or may include more fields and buttons on the screen for other functions of work machine 1.

[0037] Industrial Applicability As noted above, the present disclosure relates to work machines, and more particularly to construction machines having a joystick for controlling engine restarts, as well as systems, assemblies, and methods thereof.

[0038] 5-8 are flowcharts of methods for controlling idle-stop and restart operations of engine 11 of work machine 1, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Some or all of the operations of these methods may be performed by or using controller 12 or controller 38. Additionally, some or all of each method may be performed via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or media) having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., of controller 12), cause the one or more processors to perform some or all of the method(s).

[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling idle stop operation of engine 11, as described above, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0040] The process for controlling the idle stop operation may be initiated when the work machine 1 is in an idle state while the engine 11 is turned on. As shown in Fig. 5, the controller 12 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the controller 12 last detected a control input of the work machine 1 (S1). In practice, the predetermined time may be set by the controller 12 to any value within a range of 3 to 60 minutes, for example. Optionally, the controller 12 may detect the control input of the work machine 1 by a sensor 37, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0041] Next, if the determination in step S1 is YES, the controller 12 may perform processing in an engine shutdown pending mode (S2). More specifically, the engine shutdown pending mode may be a preparation process for engine shutdown, and the controller 12 may start counting the time from the activation of the engine shutdown pending mode to the current time as an "engine shutdown idle time."

[0042] On the other hand, if the determination in step S1 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 detects any predetermined control input to the work machine 1 before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to S1 of the process shown in Figure 5. For example, the predetermined control input to be detected in step S1 may be an operation input from the joystick lever 22, a foot pedal that may be installed in the cab 5 for moving the work machine 1, or any other physical operation input via the operator input(s) 32.

[0043] Next, the controller 12 can lock the hydraulic system by software control (S3), regardless of the position of the lock lever 20. In particular, the controller 12 may send a hydraulic system lock signal to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Locking the hydraulic system by software can prevent the work machine 1 from moving unintentionally and ensure safety. More practically, locking the hydraulic system by software may be implemented such that a hydraulic lock solenoid in the pilot circuit of the hydraulic system of the work machine 1 is energized, regardless of the operation of the lock lever 20.

[0044] Next, the controller 12 can determine whether the engine shutdown process is canceled by the operator (S4). In particular, if the controller 12 detects an input indicating cancellation of the idle stop operation from the operator via the operator interface 23, the controller 12 can determine that the engine shutdown process is canceled. For example, the determination may be made by displaying a cancel message on the operator interface 23 so that the operator of the work machine 1 may select "cancel" to abort the idle stop operation.

[0045] Next, if the determination in step S4 is NO, the controller 12 may determine whether or not the engine shutdown idle time has elapsed (S5). In particular, the controller 12 may determine whether or not the engine shutdown idle time from the start point of the engine shutdown pending mode to the current time exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0046] Next, if the determination in step S5 is YES, the controller 12 may perform engine shutdown (S6). More specifically, the controller 12 may turn off the engine 11 regardless of the position of the start switch 17. Through the engine shutdown process in S6, the work machine 1 may transition to a "key on state" in which the engine key may indicate "on" while the engine is stopped.

[0047] The process may then proceed to step S11 of the process shown in FIG. 6 (denoted as A).

[0048] On the other hand, if the determination in step S4 is YES, the process may proceed to step S7 of the process shown in FIG.

[0049] In step S7, the controller 12 may unlock the hydraulic system by software control (S7), regardless of the position of the lock lever 20. In particular, the controller 12 may send a hydraulic system unlock signal to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Following step S8, the process may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 has returned to normal operation. In particular, in normal operation, the engine 11 may be started by a normal explicit sequence using the push to start (PTS) button.

[0050] If the determination in step S5 is NO, that is, if the engine shutdown idle time has not elapsed, the process may return to S4 of the process shown in FIG.

[0051] 6 is a flowchart for controlling an engine restart operation of work machine 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The process shown in FIG. 6 may be performed after the engine shutdown (S6) process described with reference to FIG.

[0052] 6, the controller 12 may output a message to the operator of the work machine 1 to operate the joystick lever 22 (S11). More specifically, in step S11, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0053] Following step S11, the controller 12 may determine whether a predetermined operation of the joystick levers 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is detected (S12). For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from any one of the set of two joystick levers 22 is greater than 75% (i.e., tilt) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 may determine the input as a predetermined operation. According to one or more embodiments, only one of the two joystick levers 22 may be designated for execution of the predetermined operation.

[0054] If the determination in step S12 is YES, that is, if the controller 12 determines that a predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is detected, the controller 12 may start the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S13). More specifically, the controller 12 may send a control signal to the governor controller 13 to control the engine 11 to start. Because the engine 11 was previously operating before being shut down, starting the engine 11 here may be referred to or characterized as restarting the engine 11.

[0055] If the determination in step S12 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 determines that a predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 has not been detected, the processing may return to S11 of the processing shown in Fig. 6. More specifically, if the controller 12 may detect another operation by the operator that is different from the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator, in step S12 the processing may return to S11 of the processing shown in Fig. 6. On the other hand, if the controller 12 does not detect any operation by the operator for a predetermined period of time in step S12, the controller 12 may control the work machine 1 to shut down in order to protect the battery.

[0056] Next, the controller 12 may determine whether the joystick levers 22 are in a neutral position (S14). In particular, the controller 12 may detect the positions of each of the set of two joystick levers 22 by the sensor 37. More specifically, in step S14, the controller 12 may detect that all operator inputs 32 (e.g., joystick levers 22, foot pedals, etc.) should be in a neutral position for safety.

[0057] If the determination in step S14 is YES, i.e., the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is in the neutral position, the controller 12 may unlock the hydraulic system via software (S15). In particular, the controller 12 may send a hydraulic system unlock signal to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Following step S15, the process may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 has returned to normal operation.

[0058] If the determination in step S14 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position, the controller 12 may output an alert message to the operator of the work machine 1 (S16). More specifically, in step S16, the controller 12 may output alert information or an alert message to the operator via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35, indicating that the joystick lever 22 is not in the neutral position. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output alert information or an alert message to the operator, such as the audio unit 36, such as a speaker. Following step S16, the process may return to step S14 of the process shown in FIG. 6.

[0059] 7 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a manual engine restart of a work machine 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The process shown in FIG. 7 may be performed when an operator of the work machine 1 may start the engine 11 under normal circumstances.

[0060] The controller 12 may instruct the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the locked position (S21). More specifically, in step S21, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the locked position via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the locked position via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0061] Next, in response to an input from the operator to the lock lever 20, the controller 12 may instruct the operator to turn on the start switch 17 to restart the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S22). More specifically, in step S22, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to turn on the start switch 17 via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to turn on the start switch 17 via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0062] Next, in response to an input from the operator of the activation switch 17, the controller 12 may instruct the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the unlocked position (S23). More specifically, in step S23, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the unlocked position via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to move the lock lever 20 to the unlocked position via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0063] Following step S23, the process may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the work machine's status has returned to normal operation.

[0064] Figure 8 is a flowchart for controlling an engine restart operation of a work machine 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. More specifically, Figure 8 is a flowchart for controlling an engine restart operation of a work machine 1 that further includes determining a hydraulic condition in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The process shown in Figure 8 may be performed after the process (S7) for determining the position of the lock lever 22 during an idle stop operation described with reference to Figure 5, as an alternative embodiment of the process shown in Figure 6.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 8, the controller 12 may output a message to the operator of the work machine 1 to operate the joystick lever 22 (S31). Step S31 may be substantially the same as step S11 shown in Fig. 6. More specifically, in step S31, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output guidance information or a message instructing the operator to operate the joystick lever 22 via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0066] Following step S31, the controller 12 may determine whether a predetermined operation of the joystick levers 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 is detected (S32). Step S32 may be substantially the same as step S12 shown in FIG. 6. For example, if the controller 12 detects that an input from any one of the set of two joystick levers 22 is greater than 75% (i.e., tilt) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second or more), the controller 12 may determine the input as a predetermined operation. According to one or more embodiments, only one of the two joystick levers 22 may be designated for performing the predetermined operation.

[0067] If the determination in step S32 is YES, that is, if the controller 12 determines that a predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 has been detected, the controller 12 may start the engine 11 of the work machine 1 (S33). More specifically, the controller 12 may send a control signal to the governor controller 13 to control the engine 11 to start. Because the engine 11 was previously operating before being shut down, starting the engine 11 here may be referred to or characterized as restarting the engine 11.

[0068] If the determination in step S32 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 determines that a predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator of the work machine 1 has not been detected, the processing may return to S31 of the processing shown in Fig. 8. More specifically, if the controller 12 may detect another operation by the operator that is different from the predetermined operation of the joystick lever 22 by the operator, in step S32 the processing may return to S31 of the processing shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the controller 12 does not detect any operation by the operator for a predetermined period of time in step S32, the controller 12 may control the work machine 1 to shut down in order to protect the battery.

[0069] Next, the controller 12 may determine whether the state of the engine 11 is running (S34). In particular, the controller 12 may detect a signal from the engine 11 to check the state of the engine 11.

[0070] If the determination in step S34 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 determines that the state of the engine 11 is not "running", the process may return to S31 of the process shown in FIG.

[0071] If the determination in step S34 is YES, i.e., if the controller 12 determines that the state of the engine 11 is not "running", the controller 12 may output a message that the system is restarting on the operator interface 23 (S35). More specifically, in step S35, the controller 12 may output alert information or a message indicating that the system is restarting via the operator interface 23, such as the display 35. Optionally or alternatively, the controller 12 may output information or a message indicating that the system is restarting via the audio unit 36, such as a speaker.

[0072] Next, the controller 12 may determine whether the joystick levers 22 are in the neutral position and whether a predetermined condition for the hydraulic pump pressure is met (S36). In particular, the controller 12 may detect each position of the set of two joystick levers 22 using the sensor 37. More specifically, in step S36, the controller 12 may detect that all operator inputs 32 (e.g., joystick levers 22, foot pedals, etc.) should be in the neutral position for safety. Also, in step S36, the controller 12 may determine whether the hydraulic pump pressure of the hydraulic system of the work machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the determination of the predetermined condition for the hydraulic pump pressure may be performed to ensure a minimum release pressure for the swing parking brake of the swing upper body 2 when unlocking the hydraulic lock after the engine restart process.

[0073] If the determination in step S36 is YES, i.e., the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 is in the neutral position and the predetermined condition for the hydraulic pump pressure is satisfied, the controller 12 may unlock the hydraulic system via software (S37). In particular, the controller 12 may send a hydraulic system unlock signal to the actuator circuit 19 without receiving an input from the lock lever 20. Following step S37, the process may resume operation of the work machine 1. Optionally, the controller 12 may indicate on the operator interface 23 that the state of the work machine 1 has returned to normal operation.

[0074] If the determination in step S36 is NO, that is, the controller 12 may determine whether or not the joystick lever 22 has been in the neutral position for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.2 seconds) (S38). If the determination in step S38 is YES, that is, if the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 has been in the neutral position for a predetermined time, the processing may proceed to step S37.

[0075] If the determination in step S38 is NO, that is, if the controller 12 determines that the joystick lever 22 has not been in the neutral position for a predetermined period of time, the process may return to step S35.

[0076] As mentioned above, the processing may further include determining hydraulic conditions for safety in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0077] It should be noted that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the particular arrangement of process steps shown in Figures 5-8. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may add additional process steps to control the idle stop operation and restart of engine 11 of work machine 1.

[0078] As a result of the embodiment, the work machine can perform idle stop and engine restart operations through a combination of software control of the lock levers for the hydraulic system and predetermined movements of the joystick lever to meet the safety conditions and usability of the work machine.

[0079] Thus, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a work machine may include a joystick for controlling movement of the work machine, a lock lever for controlling a hydraulic system of the work machine, a display for outputting information to an operator within the work machine, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to lock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever, perform an idle-stop operation of the work machine engine, output instructions to the display for the operator to operate the joystick lever to restart the work machine engine, detect predetermined movement of the joystick, perform an engine restart operation under conditions where the predetermined movement of the joystick is detected, and unlock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever.

[0080] The work machine can perform idle stop and engine restart operations through a combination of software control of lock levers for the hydraulic system and predetermined movements of the joystick lever to meet the safety conditions and usability of the work machine.

[0081] Furthermore, the work machine can restart the engine after an idling stop operation under certain conditions without operating the engine start switch, which can contribute to increased availability.

[0082] Additionally, the work machine may determine predetermined conditions of hydraulic pump pressure in addition to the joystick lever position.

[0083] In another aspect, a method for a work machine is disclosed or implemented, the method including outputting, on a display of the work machine, a command for an operator to operate an operating lever to restart an engine of the work machine, the operating lever controlling movement of the work machine after an idle-stop operation, detecting a predetermined operation of the operating lever while the hydraulic system is locked without a first input to a lock lever, the first input being a first physical input for locking the hydraulic system with the lock lever, performing an engine restart operation, determining that the operating lever is in a neutral position, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the lock lever, the second input being a second physical input for unlocking the hydraulic system with the lock lever.

[0084] Also, in another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed or provided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an information processing system of a work machine, cause the information processing system to perform a method including locking a hydraulic system without a first mechanical input, performing an idle-stop operation of an engine of the work machine, determining in response to the output information a command for an operator to operate an operating lever to restart the engine of the work machine, and, under a condition where a predetermined operation of the operating lever has been determined, performing the engine restart operation, and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical input.

[0085] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Such embodiments are to be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A work machine (1), a joystick (22) for controlling the movement of the work machine (1); a lock lever (20) for controlling the hydraulic system of the work machine (1); a display (23) for outputting information to an operator in the work machine (1); A processing circuit (12) comprising: locking the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever (20); An idling stop operation of the engine (11) of the work machine (1) is performed, The operator operates the joystick (22) to output to the display (23) a command for restarting the engine (11) of the work machine (1); Detecting a predetermined movement of the joystick (22); performing an engine restart operation under the condition that the predetermined movement of the joystick (22) is detected; and the processing circuit (12) configured to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20).

2. The processing circuit (12) further configured to determine whether the joystick (22) is in a neutral position; 2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20) under a condition where the joystick (22) is in the neutral position.

3. 2. The work machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined movement of the joystick (22) is an input to the joystick (22) for a predetermined period of time.

4. 2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to perform a manual engine restart operation, the manual engine restart operation including outputting to the display (23) a command for the operator to turn on a start switch (17) of the engine (11).

5. 2. The work machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to send a lock signal to the hydraulic system regardless of the position of the lock lever (20) to lock the hydraulic system without receiving input from the lock lever (20).

6. 2. The work machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to send a lock release signal to the hydraulic system regardless of the position of the lock lever (20) to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving an input from the lock lever (20).

7. 2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined movement of the joystick (22) is a tilt of the joystick (22) of at least a predetermined amount for at least a predetermined period of time.

8. The joystick (22) includes a set of two joysticks (22), 2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to perform the engine restart operation under a condition in which the predetermined operation of at least one of the sets of two joysticks (22) is detected.

9. the processing circuit (12) is configured to determine whether a hydraulic pump pressure exceeds a predetermined value in addition to determining whether the joystick (22) is in the neutral position; 3. The work machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the processing circuit (12) is configured to unlock the hydraulic system without receiving the input from the lock lever (20) under both the condition that the joystick (22) is in the neutral position and the condition that the hydraulic pump pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

10. The work machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined value is set based on the release pressure of a swing parking brake of an upper rotating body (2) of the work machine (1).

11. A method for controlling a work machine (1), comprising: outputting a command to a display (23) of the work machine (1) by an operator operating an operating lever (22) to restart the engine (11) of the work machine (1), wherein the operating lever (22) controls the movement of the work machine (1) after an idling stop operation; detecting a predetermined movement of the operating lever (22) while the hydraulic system is locked without a first input to the lock lever (20), the first input being a first physical input for locking the hydraulic system by the lock lever (20); Performing an engine restart operation; determining that the operating lever (22) is in a neutral position; unlocking the hydraulic system without a second input from the lock lever (20), the second input being a second physical input for unlocking the hydraulic system by the lock lever (20).

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined movement of the operating lever (22) is an input to the operating lever (22) for a predetermined time.

13. Under the condition that it is detected that the operating lever (22) is not in the neutral position, The method of claim 11, further comprising: outputting alert information to the display (23).

14. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the operating lever (22) is a joystick (22).

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an information processing system of a work machine (1), cause the information processing system to perform a method, the method comprising: locking the hydraulic system without a first mechanical input; performing an idling stop operation of an engine (11) of a work machine (1); Determining a predetermined operation of the operating lever (22) in response to output information that is a command for an operator to operate the operating lever (22) to restart the engine (11) of the work machine (1); performing an engine restart operation under a condition where the predetermined operation of the operating lever (22) is determined; and unlocking the hydraulic system without a second mechanical input.

16. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the first mechanical input is an input by a lock lever (20) for locking the hydraulic system.

17. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the second mechanical input is an input by a lock lever (20) for unlocking the hydraulic system.

18. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the operating lever (22) is a joystick (22).

19. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the predetermined movement of the joystick (22) is a tilt of the joystick (22) of at least a predetermined amount for at least a predetermined period of time.

20. The operating levers (22) are a set of two joysticks (22), 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein performing the engine restart operation occurs under a condition in which the predetermined operation of at least one of the set of two joysticks (22) is determined.

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