Control method for industrial machinery
The control method for a work machine with an exhaust gas treatment device addresses safety concerns during filter regeneration by using a display device to warn operators and manage regeneration, ensuring the safety of the surroundings.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing exhaust gas treatment systems do not adequately address the safety concerns during filter regeneration, where high-temperature exhaust gas is discharged, potentially endangering the surroundings.
A control method for a work machine with an exhaust gas treatment device that includes a display device to warn operators and interrupt regeneration if predetermined conditions are met, displaying the regeneration status and warnings on a display unit.
Ensures safety by informing operators of the regeneration process and associated dangers, prompting them to take precautions to protect the surrounding area.
Smart Images

Figure 2026092028000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for a work machine provided with an exhaust gas treatment device.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, an exhaust gas treatment device that purifies exhaust gas by collecting particulate matter in the exhaust gas discharged from an engine with a filter has been known. When particulate matter accumulates on the filter and the accumulation amount exceeds a set amount, the flow resistance of the filter increases, the collection ability of particulate matter decreases, and the output of the engine decreases. Therefore, when the above accumulation amount exceeds the set amount, the operating conditions of the engine are changed to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas, thereby burning and removing the particulate matter deposited on the filter and recovering the collection ability of the particulate matter by the filter. Filter regeneration is performed. The accumulation amount of particulate matter in the filter and the progress of filter regeneration are displayed, for example, on the display unit of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Thereby, the operator can recognize the progress of filter regeneration by looking at the display unit.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, when the filter of the exhaust gas treatment device is regenerated, high-temperature exhaust gas is discharged to the surroundings, so it is necessary to inform the operator that it is dangerous and ensure the safety of the surroundings. However, in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to promoting the safety of the surroundings during filter regeneration.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a useful work machine. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A control method for a work machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a work machine comprising an exhaust gas treatment device that enables the regeneration of a filter for collecting particulate matter in exhaust gas discharged from an engine by a first predetermined operation, and a display device that displays a warning associated with the regeneration, wherein the method interrupts the regeneration after the start of the regeneration if predetermined conditions are met, and displays abnormal information regarding the interruption of the regeneration on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the above configuration, safety can be ensured when the filter of the exhaust gas treatment device is regenerated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing the schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the exhaust system of the hydraulic excavator described above. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the exhaust gas treatment system for the hydraulic excavator described above. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the monitoring equipment of the hydraulic excavator shown above. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the display device of the above-mentioned monitoring equipment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Figure 11]This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the above-mentioned display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0010] [1. Work Machinery] Figure 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a work machine according to this embodiment. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a lower traveling body 2, a work machine 3, and an upper rotating body 4.
[0011] Here, in Figure 1, directions are defined as follows. First, the direction in which the lower mobile body 2 moves in a straight line is defined as the front-rear direction, with one side being defined as "front" and the other as "rear". In Figure 1, as an example, the blade 23 side is shown as "front" relative to the mobile motor 22. Also, the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. In this case, the left side is defined as "left" and the right side as viewed from the operator (operator) seated in the cockpit 41a. Furthermore, the direction of gravity perpendicular to the front-rear and left-right directions is defined as the up-down direction, with the upstream side of the direction of gravity being defined as "up" and the downstream side as "down".
[0012] The lower traveling body 2 is driven by power from the engine 40 to move the hydraulic excavator 1. The lower traveling body 2 is equipped with a pair of left and right crawlers 21 and a pair of left and right travel motors 22. Each travel motor 22 is a hydraulic motor. The left and right travel motors 22 drive the left and right crawlers 21 respectively, allowing the hydraulic excavator 1 to move forward and backward. The lower traveling body 2 is equipped with a blade 23 for leveling work and a blade cylinder 23a. The blade cylinder 23a is a hydraulic cylinder that rotates the blade 23 in the vertical direction.
[0013] The working machine 3 is driven by receiving power from the engine 40 and performs excavation work for digging earth and sand, etc. The working machine 3 includes a boom 31, an arm 32, and a bucket 33. By driving the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 independently, excavation work can be performed.
[0014] The boom 31 is rotated by a boom cylinder 31a. The boom cylinder 31a has a base end supported by the front part of the upper slewing body 4 and is movable in a telescopic manner. The arm 32 is rotated by an arm cylinder 32a. The arm cylinder 32a has a base end supported by the tip of the boom 31 and is movable in a telescopic manner. The bucket 33 is rotated by a bucket cylinder 33a. The bucket cylinder 33a has a base end supported by the tip of the arm 32 and is movable in a telescopic manner. The boom cylinder 31a, the arm cylinder 32a, and the bucket cylinder 33a are constituted by hydraulic cylinders.
[0015] The bucket 33 is provided at the tip of the working machine 3 and is a container-shaped member provided with claws for performing excavation work. The bucket 33 is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 32 via a pin 34. Further, the bucket 33 is connected to the bucket cylinder 33a via a link mechanism 35.
[0016] A hook 36 is attached to the tip of the arm 32. The hook 36 is a hook-shaped member for performing crane work and is rotatably provided on the link mechanism 35. Here, the crane work refers to a lifting work of lifting and lowering an object to be lifted. The hook 36 is rotatably supported with the axis of the link mechanism 35 as a rotation fulcrum, and can change its posture between a deployed state (see FIG. 1) protruding from the bucket 33 and a stored state (not shown) stored on the bucket 33 side. For example, when performing excavation work with the bucket 33, the hook 36 is set to the stored state. On the other hand, when performing crane work with the hook 36, the hook 36 is set to the deployed state.
[0017] The upper revolving body 4 is configured to be capable of revolving with respect to the lower traveling body 2 via a slewing bearing (not shown). In the upper revolving body 4, a cab 41, a turntable 42, a slewing motor 43, an engine room 44, etc. are arranged. The upper revolving body 4 revolves via the slewing bearing by the drive of the slewing motor 43 which is a hydraulic motor. At the rear part of the upper revolving body 4, in addition to an engine 40 that provides power to each part, a plurality of hydraulic pumps (not shown) are arranged.
[0018] Each hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil (pressure oil) to hydraulic motors (for example, left and right traveling motors 22, slewing motor 43) and hydraulic cylinders (for example, blade cylinder 23a, boom cylinder 31a, arm cylinder 32a, bucket cylinder 33a). Hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders that are driven by the supply of hydraulic oil from an arbitrary hydraulic pump are collectively called hydraulic actuators.
[0019] A driver's seat 41a is arranged in the cab 41 where the operator rides. Operation parts 41b are arranged around the driver's seat 41a (especially in the front, left and right).
[0020] The operation part 41b is composed of operation levers, switches, buttons, etc. for driving the hydraulic actuators. When the operator sits on the driver's seat 41a and operates the operation part 41b, the hydraulic actuators are driven. Thereby, the traveling of the lower traveling body 2, the land leveling work by the blade 23, the excavation work by the work implement 3, the crane work, the revolving of the upper revolving body 4, etc. can be performed.
[0021] The control unit 41b includes a cutoff lever. The cutoff lever is mounted near the cockpit 41a so as to be rotatable up and down. When the operator pushes down the cutoff lever, a cutoff switch (not shown) turns ON, making it possible to operate the control unit 41b to drive a predetermined hydraulic actuator (active state). On the other hand, when the operator pulls up the cutoff lever, the cutoff switch turns OFF, making it impossible to drive the hydraulic actuator even if the operator operates the control unit 41b (inactive state). When the operator is about to get out of the control unit 41, they will pull up the cutoff lever to disable the hydraulic actuator before getting out of the cockpit 41a.
[0022] [2. Exhaust System Configuration] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the exhaust system of the hydraulic excavator 1. The engine 40 mentioned above is, for example, a diesel engine and has an intake pipe 51. The intake pipe 51 draws in gas from the outside and supplies it to the intake manifold 52. The intake manifold 52 divides the gas supplied from the intake pipe 51 into a number of portions corresponding to the number of cylinders (for example, four in Figure 2) and supplies them to the cylinder head 53.
[0023] The cylinder head 53 is equipped with multiple cylinders and injectors. The injectors are fuel injection devices that inject fuel into the combustion chamber of each cylinder at predetermined timings. The fuel injection by the injectors is controlled by an engine control unit 50, also called an engine control unit (ECU).
[0024] The gases (exhaust gases after combustion) generated in the multiple combustion chambers within the cylinder head 53 are collected in the exhaust manifold 54. A portion of the gas discharged from the exhaust manifold 54 is sent to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) device 60. The EGR device 60 is an exhaust gas recirculation device that returns a portion of the above gas to the intake pipe 51, and comprises an EGR pipe 61, an EGR cooler 62, and an EGR valve 63.
[0025] The EGR pipe 61 communicates with the exhaust manifold 54. The EGR cooler 62 cools the exhaust gas supplied from the exhaust manifold 54 via the EGR pipe 61. The amount of exhaust gas supplied from the EGR cooler 62 to the intake pipe 51 is regulated by the EGR valve 63. The EGR device 60 mixes the exhaust gas with the gas drawn into the intake manifold 52 via the intake pipe 51. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the drawn gas, thereby lowering the combustion temperature. As a result, the generation of nitrogen oxides called NOx can be reduced, and emission regulations can be met.
[0026] The remaining gas discharged from the cylinder head 53 through the exhaust manifold 54 is sent to the exhaust gas treatment device 70 via the exhaust pipe 55. The amount of gas sent to the exhaust gas treatment device 70 is regulated by the exhaust valve 56.
[0027] The exhaust gas treatment device 70 purifies and discharges the exhaust gas supplied through the exhaust pipe 55. Specifically, the exhaust gas treatment device 70 comprises an oxidation catalyst 71, a filter 72, and a differential pressure sensor 73. The oxidation catalyst 71 is a catalyst for oxidizing (combusting) unburned fuel, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, etc., contained in the exhaust gas, and is made of platinum or the like. The filter 72 is configured, for example, as a wall-flow type filter and collects particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas treated by the oxidation catalyst 71. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 as a work machine in this embodiment comprises an engine 40 and an exhaust gas treatment device 70 having a filter 72 that collects particulate matter in the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 40.
[0028] The differential pressure sensor 73 is a sensor that detects the difference between the pressure upstream and downstream of the filter 72, i.e., the differential pressure, within the exhaust gas treatment device 70. The differential pressure information detected by the differential pressure sensor 73 is input to the engine control unit 50. The relationship between the differential pressure and the amount of particulate matter deposited is known in advance through experiments, etc., and is stored in the memory unit (not shown) of the engine control unit 50 in the form of a map or table. Therefore, the engine control unit 50 can easily determine the amount of deposit corresponding to the differential pressure detected by the differential pressure sensor 73 from the map or the like.
[0029] As mentioned above, when the amount of particulate matter accumulated in the filter 72 (accumulation amount) exceeds a preset value (set amount), the particulate matter collection capacity of the filter 72 decreases, and the output of the engine 40 also decreases. Therefore, when the amount of particulate matter accumulated in the filter 72 exceeds the set amount, the engine control unit 50 changes the operating conditions of the engine 40 to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas. As a result, the particulate matter accumulated in the filter 72 is burned and removed. In other words, the filter 72 is regenerated.
[0030] Here, there are two methods for regenerating the filter 72: automatic regeneration and manual regeneration. Automatic regeneration is a mode in which the filter is automatically regenerated at regular intervals while the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation. In automatic regeneration, the filter is regenerated by raising the temperature of the exhaust gas to, for example, a range of less than 600°C (for example, 250 to 500°C). In contrast, manual regeneration is a mode in which the operator manually instructs the regeneration of the filter 72, and the filter is regenerated based on that instruction. In manual regeneration, the filter is regenerated by raising the temperature of the exhaust gas to, for example, a range of 600°C or higher in order to regenerate the filter 72 more powerfully than in automatic regeneration. The operator's manual instruction for filter regeneration is made by operating the control device 90, which will be described later.
[0031] [3. Configuration of the exhaust gas treatment system] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the exhaust gas treatment system of the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment. In addition to the engine 40, engine control unit 50, and exhaust gas treatment device 70 described above, the hydraulic excavator 1 further includes a display device 80 and an operating device 90. In this embodiment, the display device 80 and the operating device 90 are provided integrally to form one monitoring device 100, but the display device 80 and the operating device 90 may be provided separately from each other.
[0032] The display device 80 includes a display unit 81 and a display control unit 82. The display unit 81 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device and displays various types of information. The display control unit 82 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit called a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the display of various types of information on the display unit 81.
[0033] Figure 4 is a front view of the monitoring device 100. Here, when the operator observes the display unit 81 of the monitoring device 100 from the front, the left, right, top, and bottom sides from the operator's perspective are referred to as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," respectively. The display screen of the display unit 81 has a first display area 81E1, a second display area 81E2, and a third display area 81E3. The display screen shown in Figure 4 is also called the home screen because it is the starting point for various operations.
[0034] The first display area 81E1 is located in the center of the display screen in the vertical direction. In the first display area 81E1, the fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge, and various warning lights are displayed from left to right. The hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with various sensors such as a fuel sensor, water temperature sensor, and oil temperature sensor, and the remaining fuel level, water temperature, and lubricating oil temperature are displayed based on the detection results from these sensors. The hydraulic excavator 1 is also equipped with abnormality detection sensors such as a seat belt sensor. If any abnormality is detected by an abnormality detection sensor, the corresponding warning light is illuminated on the display screen based on the abnormality detection signal output from the abnormality detection sensor. Below the display area of the multiple warning lights, the engine speed is displayed. In addition, icons indicating the currently operating functions may be displayed in the first display area 81E1.
[0035] Furthermore, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a camera (not shown) for monitoring its surroundings. In this configuration, it is also possible to display the image captured by the camera (camera image) in the first display area 81E1 instead of the water temperature gauge and oil temperature gauge (see Figure 5). The operator can choose whether to display the camera image or the water temperature gauge, etc., in the first display area 81E1 by operating the control device 90.
[0036] The second display area 81E2 is located above the first display area 81E1. The second display area 81E2 displays information such as the current time and the total operating time of the hydraulic excavator 1 since its purchase (1234.5 hours in the example shown in the figure).
[0037] The third area 81E3 is located below the first display area 81E1. The third display area 81E3 displays items 81a (only "Menu" is shown in the figure for convenience) that can be selected by the operator using the control device 90. Items 81a may be displayed as text (characters) indicating the content of the item, or as icons indicating the content.
[0038] The operating device 90 is an input unit that receives various instructions from the operator and is composed of input devices such as switches, buttons, jog dials, and touch panels. Control signals corresponding to the instructions received by the operating device 90 are input to the display control unit 82 of the display device 80.
[0039] In this embodiment, the operating device 90 is located below the display screen of the display unit 81. The operating device 90 is composed of, for example, operating buttons 90a. In the example shown in the figure, six operating buttons 90a are provided below each of the six selectable items 81a displayed in the third area 81E3 of the display screen of the display unit 81. Note that the number of selectable items 81a displayed on the display unit 61 and the number of operating buttons 90a are not limited to the six mentioned above.
[0040] The operator can select an item 81a by pressing an operation button 90a located below any of the items 81a. When any operation button 90a is pressed, the operating device 90 outputs a control signal to the display control unit 82 indicating that the operation button 90a has been pressed. Based on the control signal, the display control unit 82 can display the display screen corresponding to the item 81a selected by pressing the operation button 90a on the display unit 81. The display control unit 82 can also output the control signal directly to the engine control unit 50. This allows the engine control unit 50 to change the operating conditions of the engine 40, for example, to regenerate the filter 72 of the exhaust gas treatment device 70.
[0041] [4. Regarding the display screen during filter playback] Next, the display screen of the display device 80 when the filter 72 of the exhaust gas treatment device 70 is regenerated will be explained based on Figures 5 to 11. Figures 5 to 11 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the display screen of the display device 80. Here, as an example, the display screen will be explained when the work of the hydraulic excavator 1 is stopped and filter regeneration is performed based on manual operation of the control device 90 by the operator.
[0042] When the differential pressure information detected by the differential pressure sensor 73 of the exhaust gas treatment device 70 is input to the engine control unit 50, and the engine control unit 50 determines that the amount of particulate matter accumulated in the filter 72 exceeds a set amount, the engine control unit 50 outputs a regeneration request signal to the display control unit 82 indicating that the filter 72 of the exhaust gas treatment device 70 needs to be regenerated. Upon receiving the regeneration request signal, the display control unit 82 displays regeneration request information P1 indicating that the filter 72 needs to be regenerated, and an icon P2 (warning mark) indicating caution, in the second display area 81E2 of the display unit 81, as shown in Figure 5. The display control unit 82 also displays an icon indicating caution (warning mark) as a selectable item 81a1 in the third display area 81E3.
[0043] When an operator presses the operation button 90a1 located below the displayed item 81a1, the display control unit 82 displays error information on the display screen of the display unit 81, as shown in Figure 6. The error information includes an icon indicating the error (warning mark), an error code, and text information indicating the content of the error code (in this case, that filter playback is required). If there are multiple error entries, each error entry is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 81 from top to bottom, in chronological order from newest to oldest.
[0044] Furthermore, the display control unit 82 displays the following items 81a2 to 81a6 in the third display area 81E3 of the display unit 81 as selectable items for the operator: "Back," "Down Arrow," "Up Arrow," "Mute," and "Confirm." When the operator presses the operation button 90a2 located below the "Back" item 81a2, the display control unit 92 switches the display screen of the display unit 81 to the screen shown in Figure 5. The operator can move the selection area of the displayed error information (the area with the thick border in Figure 6) downwards by pressing or holding down the operation button 90a3 located below the "Down Arrow" item 81a3 once each. Conversely, the operator can move the selection area upwards by pressing or holding down the operation button 90a4 located below the "Up Arrow" item 81a4 once each. Furthermore, by pressing the operation button 90a5 located below the "Mute" item 81a5, the operator can stop the buzzer sound (not shown) emitted from the buzzer when an error occurs (when the above-mentioned playback request signal is generated).
[0045] When the operator selects a predetermined error information and presses the operation button 90a6 located below the "Confirm" item 81a6, the details of the selected error information are displayed on the display unit 81, as shown in Figure 7. The display screen in Figure 7 shows the content of the error code and the method for dealing with the error that occurred. In the display screen in Figure 7, "1229.5h" indicates that the error information occurred 1229.5 hours after the purchase of the hydraulic excavator 1. Since the current cumulative operating time is 1234.5 hours, the example in Figure 7 shows that 5 hours have passed since the error information occurred.
[0046] When the operator confirms the details of the error information and presses the operation button 90a6 located below the "Confirm" item 81a6 on the display screen again, the operating device 90 outputs a control signal to the engine control unit 50 via the display control unit 82 indicating that the operation button 90a6 has been pressed. Based on the control signal, the engine control unit 50 changes the operating conditions of the engine 40 to regenerate the filter and raises the temperature of the exhaust gas. In other words, the operation button 90a6 functions as a regeneration instruction operation unit that is operated by the operator to receive a regeneration instruction for the filter 72. Note that the regeneration instruction operation unit is not limited to the operation button 90a6, but may be an operation button, switch, etc., in another location.
[0047] When the operator presses the operation button 90a6, the exhaust gas temperature rise begins and the regeneration of the filter 72 begins. As shown in Figure 8, the display control unit 82 simultaneously displays information Q1 indicating the progress of filter regeneration and information Q2 indicating a warning related to filter regeneration on the display screen of the display unit 81. In the example shown in the figure, information Q1 indicates that the regeneration of the filter 72 is 30% complete and is displayed in the second display area 81E2. Information Q2 indicates that the filter 72 is regenerating and that the exhaust gas is hot and requires caution. The warning information Q2 is displayed overlaid on the display screen of the display unit 81 shown in Figure 7 (pop-up display). More precisely, the regeneration of the filter 72 is started when the operator pulls up the cutoff lever to make it impossible to drive the hydraulic actuator (hydraulic lock state) and then presses the operation button 90a6.
[0048] The progress of filter regeneration may be estimated based on the amount of particulate matter deposited corresponding to the output of the differential pressure sensor 73 during filter regeneration, or based on the time required from the start to the completion of filter 72 regeneration. For example, if it is estimated that it takes an average of about 30 minutes from the start to the completion of filter 72 regeneration, the progress of filter regeneration may be estimated to be 30% after 10 minutes have elapsed since the start of filter 72 regeneration.
[0049] In the display screen of the display unit 81 shown in Figure 8, the item 81a7 labeled "OK" is displayed as selectable in the third display area 81E3. When the operator presses the operation button 90a7 located below the "OK" item 81a7, the warning information Q2 is cleared. In other words, the operation button 90a7 functions as a clearing instruction operation unit that receives an instruction from the operator to clear the warning display. Upon pressing the operation button 90a7, the display screen of the display unit 81 returns to the home screen while the information Q1 remains displayed in the second display area 81E2. Note that the clearing instruction operation unit is not limited to the operation button 90a7, but may be an operation button, switch, or the like in another location.
[0050] Furthermore, the display control unit 82 may display a selectable "Back" item in the third display area 81E3 instead of the "OK" item 81a7, and when the operator presses the operation button 90a located below the "Back" item, it may perform control to return to the home screen displaying information Q1 in the second display area 81E2. In addition, in a configuration in which a jog dial is provided as the operation device 90, the display control unit 82 may perform control to return to the home screen when the operator presses the jog dial.
[0051] Figure 9 shows the home screen with information Q1 displayed on the display unit 81. In the home screen of Figure 9, a camera image is displayed in the first display area 81E1 instead of the water temperature gauge and oil temperature gauge. The display of this camera image is performed when the operator presses the operation button 90a8 located below the "Camera" item 81a8 displayed in the third display area 81E3 to instruct the display image to be switched. When the operator presses the operation button 90a8 again, the display control unit 82 switches the camera image displayed in the first display area 81E1 back to the water temperature gauge or the like.
[0052] When the filter regeneration progress reaches 100% and the filter regeneration is complete, the display control unit 82 displays information Q3 indicating that the filter 72 has been regenerated as a pop-up in the first display area 81E1, as shown in Figure 10, while simultaneously clearing the display showing the regeneration progress from the second display area 81E2. Upon completion of filter regeneration, the operator can pull down the cutoff lever and operate the control unit 41b (see Figure 1) to have the hydraulic excavator 1 perform normal operations.
[0053] On the other hand, if the hydraulic excavator 1 is driven during filter regeneration, the engine control unit 50 interrupts the heating of the exhaust gas by the engine 40 and interrupts filter regeneration. The driving operations of the hydraulic excavator 1 include, for example, moving the accelerator volume on the control unit 41 (see Figure 1) or lowering the cutoff lever. In addition, if an abnormality occurs in the filter regeneration operation, including a malfunction in the exhaust gas treatment device 70, the engine control unit 50 will also interrupt filter regeneration. When filter regeneration is interrupted, the display control unit 92 will control the display screen of the display unit 81 to display interruption information Q4 regarding the interruption of regeneration, as shown in Figure 11.
[0054] Interruption information Q4 includes abnormality information Q41 and notification information Q42. Abnormality information Q41 is information indicating an abnormality in filter playback and consists of, for example, text, marks, etc. Abnormality information Q41 is displayed, for example, in the second display area 81E2, that is, in the display area that shows the progress of filter playback.
[0055] Notification information Q42 is information indicating that playback has been interrupted, and consists of, for example, text, marks, etc. Notification information Q42 is displayed, for example, in the first display area 81E1, that is, in the display area for warnings associated with filter playback. The display control unit 82 may also display abnormal information Q41 in the first display area 81E1 and notification information Q42 in the second display area 81E2.
[0056] The above describes the display control of the display unit 81 when filter regeneration is performed based on manual operation of the control device 90 by the operator. However, even when the engine control unit 50 performs filter regeneration automatically based on the output of the differential pressure sensor 73, it is possible to perform the same display control of the display unit 81 as in this embodiment. For example, when filter regeneration is performed automatically, the display control unit 82 can display the progress of filter regeneration and a warning on the display unit 81 simultaneously. However, when filter regeneration is performed automatically, the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation (it is assumed that the camera image is displayed in the center of the screen while the excavator is working), so it is desirable that the display time of the warning displayed as a pop-up in the center of the screen be short, for example, a few seconds.
[0057] As described above, the hydraulic excavator 1 as a work machine in this embodiment is equipped with a display device 80 that simultaneously displays the progress of filter 72 regeneration (information Q1) and a warning (information Q2) associated with regeneration when the filter 72 (of the exhaust gas treatment device 70) is regenerated by the temperature rise of the exhaust gas (by the engine 40) (see Figure 8). With this configuration, when the filter of the exhaust gas treatment device 70 is regenerated, the operator can be made aware of the progress of filter regeneration and at the same time notified of the danger by a warning display, thereby encouraging the operator to ensure the safety of the surrounding area where the exhaust gas is discharged. Therefore, the operator can make efforts to ensure the safety of the surrounding area when the filter is regenerated.
[0058] Furthermore, the display device 80 displays the progress status and warnings mentioned above when the filter 72 is played back in response to the operation of the operation button 90a6 (see Figure 7), which serves as the operation unit for playback instructions.
[0059] When an operator manually operates the operation button 90a6 to instruct the regeneration of the filter 72, and the filter 72 is regenerated in response to this instruction, the exhaust gas is heated more strongly in the engine 40 and becomes hotter compared to when the filter 72 is automatically regenerated, in order to regenerate the filter 72 more effectively. In this case, it is necessary to ensure greater safety in the surrounding area where the exhaust gas is discharged. Therefore, the configuration of this embodiment, in which the display device 80 displays the progress of regeneration and a warning to alert the operator, is particularly effective when filter regeneration is performed based on manual operation of the operation button 90a6 by the operator.
[0060] Furthermore, the display device 80 erases the warning display when the operation button 90a7, which serves as the operation unit for erasing instructions, is operated (see Figures 8 and 9).
[0061] After the operator understands the warning (information Q2) displayed on the display device 80 (display unit 81), they can manually operate the operation button 90a7 to instruct the display to clear the warning, thereby allowing the display device 80 to display information other than the warning (for example, the camera image in Figure 9) and allow the operator to confirm that information, even while filter playback is in progress.
[0062] Furthermore, when the filter 72 is played back, the display device 80 displays a warning and simultaneously displays an "OK" item 81a7 as additional information (see Figure 8). The above additional information (item 81a7) indicates that the warning display can be erased by operating the operation button 90a7, which is an operation unit for erasure instruction. In this case, the operator can instruct the display device 80 to erase the warning display at any time by operating the operation button 90a7 based on the display of the "OK" item 81a7.
[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the display screen of the display device 80 has a first display area 81E1 for displaying warnings (information Q2) and a second display area 81E2 for displaying the playback progress (information Q1), which are offset from each other. In this configuration, the playback progress and warnings can be displayed side by side on the display screen of the display device 80, allowing the operator to view them simultaneously.
[0064] In particular, on the display screen of the display device 80, the second display area 81E2 is located above the first display area 81E1. In this case, the second display area 81E2 can be positioned above the display screen. In display devices used in typical work machines, the display area located above the display screen is often used as a notification area for various types of information. Therefore, by positioning the second display area 81E2 above the display screen, the second display area 81E2 can be used as a notification area for various types of information, while the progress of the regeneration can be displayed in the second display area 81E2, thus providing a display that is consistent with the use of a typical display device.
[0065] Furthermore, the first display area 81E1 is located in the center of the display screen of the display device 80. Since the center of the display screen is the area that is easiest for the operator to see, using this area as the first display area 81E1 and displaying a warning there makes the warning easier for the operator to see, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the warning in attracting attention.
[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, when the regeneration of the filter 72 is complete, the display device 80 displays a notification (information Q3) indicating the completion of filter 72 regeneration. This allows the operator to intuitively recognize the completion of filter regeneration by looking at the display device 80 and quickly drive the hydraulic excavator 1 to perform the work.
[0067] Furthermore, when the playback of filter 72 is complete, the display device 80 erases the display of the filter playback progress that had been shown in the second display area 81E2 up to that point (see Figure 10). By erasing the above progress display, the operator can be reliably informed that the filter playback is complete.
[0068] Furthermore, when the playback of the filter 72 is interrupted, the display device 80 displays interruption information Q4 regarding the interruption of playback (see Figure 11). By displaying such interruption information Q4, the operator can recognize that the filter playback has been interrupted for some reason.
[0069] The interruption information Q4 mentioned above includes notification information Q42 indicating that playback has been interrupted. In this case, the operator can intuitively recognize that filter playback has been interrupted by looking at the notification information Q42 displayed on the display device 80.
[0070] Furthermore, the display device 80 displays notification information Q42 in the first display area 81E1, which is the display area for warnings associated with filter playback. Since notification information Q42 is displayed in the same display area (first display area 81E1) as the warning, the operator can see the notification information Q42 and recognize the interruption of playback with the same level of importance as the warning associated with playback.
[0071] The interruption information Q4 mentioned above includes error information Q41 indicating that an abnormality has occurred during playback. In this case, the operator can intuitively recognize that an abnormality has occurred during filter playback by looking at the error information Q41 displayed on the display device 80.
[0072] Furthermore, the display device 80 displays abnormality information Q41 in the second display area 82E1, which is the display area for the progress of filter regeneration. Since abnormality information Q41 is displayed in the same display area (second display area 81E2) as the progress of filter regeneration, the operator can recognize abnormalities in filter regeneration by looking at abnormality information Q41 instead of the progress of filter regeneration.
[0073] In the above explanation, a hydraulic excavator 1, a construction machine, was used as an example of the work machine. However, the work machine is not limited to a hydraulic excavator 1; it may be other construction machines such as a wheel loader, or agricultural machines such as a combine harvester or tractor. In other words, the configuration equipped with the display device 80 described in this embodiment can be applied to construction equipment other than the hydraulic excavator 1, as well as agricultural machinery.
[0074] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]
[0075] This invention can be used, for example, in work machinery such as construction machinery and agricultural machinery. [Explanation of symbols]
[0076] 1. Hydraulic excavator (working machine) 40 Engine 70 Exhaust gas treatment device 72 filters 80 Display device 81E1 1st display area 81E2 2nd display area 90a6 Operation buttons (playback control panel) 90a7 Operation button (operation unit for erasure instruction)
Claims
1. A control method for a work machine comprising an exhaust gas treatment device capable of regenerating a filter that collects particulate matter in exhaust gas discharged from an engine by a first predetermined operation, and a display device that displays a warning associated with the regeneration, A control method for a work machine, comprising interrupting the playback after starting playback if predetermined conditions are met, and displaying abnormal information regarding the interruption of playback on the display device.
2. The conditions for interruption are the detection of either an abnormality in the drive operation of the work machine or an abnormality in the regeneration operation of the filter. A method for controlling a work machine according to claim 1.
3. The display device displays the abnormal information in a region including the center in the horizontal direction of the display area. A method for controlling a work machine according to claim 1 or 2.
4. While the playback is being performed, the progress of the playback is displayed on the display device. When the aforementioned abnormal information is displayed, the display device will display notification information indicating the abnormality in playback instead of displaying the progress status. A method for controlling a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Display device for vehicle
JP2008126968A