Working machinery

Abstract

This system helps prevent misinterpretation of input device function assignments, allows for quick and easy changes to the prime mover's rotation speed, and prevents a decrease in work efficiency. [Solution] In a work machine comprising a prime mover, a monitor, and an input device to which multiple functions can be assigned, the monitor is capable of displaying a basic screen and a menu screen, the input device is operable in first and second operating directions, the operation in the first direction is assigned to a function for changing the rotation speed of the prime mover, and the operation in the second operating direction is assigned to a function for operating the monitor screen, the menu screen is changed when the input device is operated using the second operating method while the menu screen is displayed, and the rotation speed of the prime mover is changed when the input device is operated using the first operating method, regardless of whether the basic screen or the menu screen is displayed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In work machines such as hydraulic excavators, with the recent increase in multifunctionality, the number of input devices provided around the operator's seat for changing various settings such as engine speed and engine mode has been on an increasing trend. An increase in the number of input devices leads to a higher component count, which causes an increase in manufacturing cost. In addition, for users unfamiliar with the operations, it is necessary to find the input device corresponding to the intended function from among a large number of input devices, which may lead to a reduction in work efficiency.

[0003] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses that different functions, namely an engine operation function for adjusting the engine speed and a screen operation function for operating a display screen, are selectively assigned to the rotational operation of the same dial. By assigning a plurality of functions to one input device in this manner, an increase in the number of components is suppressed. The functions assigned to the rotational operation of the dial in this document are identified by the lighting color of a lamp (light emitting portion) disposed on or near the dial. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-26000 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a lamp that indicates the function assigned to the rotation of a dial by the color of its illumination. The lamp is located near the dial and is within the operator's field of vision when they operate the dial while looking at their hands. However, as the operator becomes accustomed to the operation and starts operating the dial without looking at their hands, the lamp may fall out of their field of vision and they may stop paying attention to it. As a result, for example, if the operator mistakenly believes that a screen operation function is assigned to the dial operation, they may unintentionally change the engine speed when they intend to operate the screen using the dial. In this case, the operator will have to go through the trouble of resetting the engine speed to its original value, which will reduce work efficiency.

[0006] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the engine speed cannot be changed when the screen operation function is assigned to the dial, and in order to change the engine speed during screen operation, the function assignment of the dial must be changed. The frequency of changing the engine speed during operation of a work machine is generally high, and if the function assignment of the dial is changed every time the screen operation is performed in order to change the engine speed, work efficiency may decrease.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that can suppress misinterpretation of the function assignment of the input device, change the rotation speed of the prime mover quickly and easily, and prevent a decrease in work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a work machine comprising a prime mover, a monitor, an input device to which a plurality of functions including a function for adjusting the rotational speed of the prime mover can be assigned, and a control device for controlling the display on the monitor and the rotational speed of the prime mover, wherein the monitor is capable of displaying a basic screen to be displayed during operation and a menu screen that is called up in response to the operation of the input device, the input device is operable in a first operating direction and a second operating direction using the same operating member, the first operating direction is assigned a function for changing the rotational speed of the prime mover and the second operating direction is assigned a screen operation function for the monitor, and the control device, when the input device receives an operation in the second operating direction while the menu screen is displayed on the monitor, executes a screen operation on the menu screen corresponding to the operation in the second operating direction, and regardless of whether the basic screen or the menu screen is displayed on the monitor, when the input device receives an operation in the first operating direction, instructs the prime mover to change the rotational speed according to the amount of operation in the first operating direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, misinterpretation of the function assignment of the input device can be suppressed, and the rotation speed of the prime mover can be changed quickly and easily, thereby preventing a decrease in work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the interior of the driver's cab. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the input device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation modes of the input device (jog dial). [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the function assignment of input devices for each operating mode and provides an example of their operation guide. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows an example of a monitor display screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the control device for the hydraulic excavator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for assigning functions to input devices by the control device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedures for various settings and screen changes performed by the control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] -Working Machinery- Figure 1 is an external view of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, a hydraulic excavator 1 is shown as an example of a work machine, but the present invention can also be applied to other work machines such as wheel loaders, bulldozers, cranes, etc.

[0013] The hydraulic excavator 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a multi-jointed front workpiece 1A including a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c that rotate in a vertical plane, and a vehicle body 1B including a slewing body 1d and a traveling body 1e. The slewing body 1d is equipped with a driver's cab 1f.

[0014] The base end of the boom 1a of the front work implement 1A is attached to the front of the slewing body 1d. The boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, slewing body 1d, and travel body 1e are driven by hydraulic actuators: boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, slewing motor 3d, and left and right travel motors 3e and 3f, respectively. The bucket 1c can be replaced with other attachments such as a breaker or crusher. Although not shown in the diagram, attitude sensors are attached to each joint of the front work implement 1A and to the joint between the slewing body 1d and the travel body 1e, allowing the angle of each rotating part to be obtained.

[0015] The rotating body 1d is equipped with an engine (prime mover) 4 for operating the hydraulic excavator 1, a hydraulic pump, an electronically controlled valve 7, and the like (Figure 7). An electric motor can also be used as the prime mover. The hydraulic pump is driven by the engine 4 and discharges hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump flows into the cylinders 2a, 2b, 2c and the motors 3d, 3e, 3f, whereby these hydraulic actuators are driven and the hydraulic excavator 1 operates. Therefore, when the rotational speed of the engine 4 increases, the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 6 increases, and the operating speed of each hydraulic actuator rises. Further, each solenoid valve constituting the electronically controlled valve 7 opens and closes in accordance with a control command value output from the control device 11 (Figure 7), and controls the supply flow rate of hydraulic fluid to the corresponding hydraulic actuator and the like.

[0016] On the rotating body 1d, cameras 8a, 8b, 8c for capturing a monitoring image 508 (Figure 6) around the vehicle body 1B of the hydraulic excavator 1 are installed on the right side, rear side, and left side of the rotating body 1d respectively, and the images captured by the cameras 8a, 8b, 8c can be checked in real time inside the operator's cab 1f.

[0017] -Operator's Cab- Figure 2 is a view showing the inside of the operator's cab 1f. Inside the operator's cab 1f, electric operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d for operating the vehicle body 1B and the front working machine 1A are installed. The operation levers 9a, 9b arranged on the right and left of the operator's seat can be operated in four directions, namely front, rear, left and right, respectively, and correspond to the operations of the front working machine 1A and the rotating body 1d. The operation levers 9c, 9d arranged in front of the operator's seat can be operated in two directions, front and rear, respectively, and correspond to the operations of the left and right traveling motors 3e, 3f attached to the traveling body 1e.

[0018] Further, the cab 1f is provided with a shut-off lever 10 for switching whether the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1 is enabled or disabled. The shut-off lever 10 is an interlock operation device that sets the operation levers 9a-9d to be enabled or disabled. When the shut-off lever 10 is in the unlock position, the operations of the operation levers 9a-9d are enabled, each lever operation amount is converted into a control command value in the control device 11, and the electronic control valve 7 is controlled by this control command value to drive the corresponding hydraulic actuator. As a result, the hydraulic excavator 1 operates in response to the operations of the operation levers 9a-9d. On the other hand, when the shut-off lever 10 is in the lock position, the operations of the operation levers 9a-9d are disabled, and the hydraulic excavator 1 does not operate even if the operation levers 9a-9d are operated.

[0019] Further, a touch monitor 12, which is a display device capable of confirming and changing various settings of the hydraulic excavator 1, displaying screens such as camera images captured by the cameras 8a, 8b, 8c, and supporting touch operations, is mounted on the front right side of the cab 1f. In the present embodiment, the touch monitor 12 is used as the monitor, but a monitor that does not support touch operations may be used as the monitor.

[0020] Further, on the right side of the driver's seat and behind the operation lever 9a, an input device 13 which is a set of physical switches is installed, and various setting operations related to the hydraulic excavator 1 can be performed by operating the input device 13.

[0021] -Input Device- Figure 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the input device 13. The input device 13 is also used for screen operations of the touch monitor 12, but is provided separately from the touch monitor 12. This input device 13 is configured to include a jog dial 13a which is a first input device, and four push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e which are second input devices different from the first input device. The input device 13 outputs a signal including operation information of each switch to the control device 11 at constant time intervals regardless of whether each switch is operated or not.

[0022] Multiple functions can be assigned to the jog dial 13a, including the function of adjusting the rotational speed of the engine 4. This jog dial 13a has a configuration with multiple degrees of freedom, and is configured to allow rotational operation (operation in the first operating direction), tilt operation (operation in the second operating direction) in the up, down, left, and right directions, and push operation (operation in the third operating direction). The rotation operation in the first operating direction is assigned to the function of changing the rotational speed of the engine 4, and the tilt operation in the second operating direction is assigned to the screen operation function of the touch monitor 12. The push operation in the third operating direction is also assigned to the screen operation function of the touch monitor 12. The screen operation function is a function that allows the user to select and confirm multiple setting items displayed on the menu screen (item icons 512-517 displayed on the menu screen 500B in Figure 6) and input setting changes. As will be described later, the response of the target of operation to the jog dial 13a differs depending on whether the current operating mode is engine mode or screen operation mode (described later).

[0023] The push buttons 13b-13e are momentary buttons. Each of these push buttons 13b-13e is assigned a specific function. For example, push button 13b is assigned the function of switching between the basic screen 500A and the menu screen (settings screen) 500B of the touch monitor 12, as described later in Figure 6. When the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12, pressing push button 13b will display the menu screen 500B on the touch monitor 12. When the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12, pressing push button 13b will display the basic screen 500A on the touch monitor 12 (the menu screen 500B will be hidden).

[0024] The basic screen 500A is the screen normally displayed on the touch monitor 12 while the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation. The menu screen 500B is the screen that is called up (in this embodiment, the screen that is displayed after switching from the basic screen 500A). In this embodiment, the operation mode and the screen display correspond to each other. When the operation mode is engine mode, the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12 (the menu screen 500B is hidden), and when the operation mode is screen operation mode, the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12. In other words, the push button 13b is both a screen switching switch and an operation mode switching switch. Even while the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation, the menu screen 500B can be called up using the push button 13b, and even when the hydraulic excavator 1 is stopped, the displayed menu screen 500B can be hidden using the push button 13b.

[0025] -Operation Mode- Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation modes of the input device 13 (jog dial 13a). In this embodiment, there are two selectable operation modes for the jog dial 13a: engine mode 401 and screen operation mode 402. As described above, the operation mode switches each time the push button 13b is pressed. When the push button 13b is pressed while the operation mode of the jog dial 13a is in engine mode 401, the operation mode transitions from engine mode 401 to screen operation mode 402. When the push button 13b is pressed while the operation mode of the jog dial 13a is in screen operation mode 402, the operation mode transitions from screen operation mode 402 to engine mode 401.

[0026] When the operating mode of the jog dial 13a is in engine mode 401, that is, when the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12 (when the menu screen 500B is not displayed), as shown in Figure 4, only rotational operation of the jog dial 13a is enabled, and tilt and press operations are disabled.

[0027] When the operation mode of the jog dial 13a is in screen operation mode 402, that is, when the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12, as shown in Figure 4, all operations of the jog dial 13a—rotation, tilt, and pressing—are enabled.

[0028] -Function assignments / operation guides for each operation mode- Figure 5 illustrates the function assignments of the input device 13 for each operating mode and their operation guides. The upper part of Figure 5 shows the function assignments for each operating mode, and the lower part shows the operation guides for the function assignments for each operating mode.

[0029] In this embodiment, in engine mode 401, the rotation of the jog dial 13a is assigned the function of requesting the control device 11 to adjust the engine speed. The tilt and press operations of the jog dial 13a are disabled. The push button 13b is assigned the function of requesting the control device 11 to transition to the menu screen 500B. In this case, the touch monitor 12 displays a schematic icon 13a' that visually represents that the engine speed is adjusted by rotating the jog dial 13a, and a schematic icon 13b' that visually represents that the menu screen 500B is called up by pressing the push button 13b, as an operation guide displayed on the touch monitor 12 which displays functions corresponding to the operation of the input device 13.

[0030] On the other hand, in screen operation mode 402, the rotation of the jog dial 13a is assigned a function to request the control device 11 to adjust the engine speed, the tilt of the jog dial 13a is assigned a function to request the control device 11 to move the focus (cursor) 518 (Figure 6) of the menu screen 500B, and the pressing of the jog dial 13a is assigned a function to request the control device 11 to confirm the selection by the focus 518. The push button 13b is assigned a function to request the control device 11 to transition to the basic screen 500A. In this case, the touch monitor 12 displays schematic icons 13a" that visually represent the engine speed being adjusted by the rotation of the jog dial 13a and the focus 518 moving by the tilt operation, and schematic icons 13b" that visually represent the transition to the basic screen 500A (the menu screen 500B closing) by pressing the push button 13b, as operation guides. Since it is intuitively understood that the confirmation operation is performed by pressing the button, this is not actively displayed on icon 13a'' to avoid cluttering the display. However, if necessary, it is acceptable to schematically display on icon 13a'' that the confirmation operation can be performed by pressing the button.

[0031] The operator looks at the screen of the touch monitor 12 to perform the input operation 13, and by checking the operation guide (icons 13a', 13a, 13b', 13b) displayed on the touch monitor 12, they can recognize the function currently assigned to each switch of the input device 13 and perform the intended operation.

[0032] -Example of display screen- Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the touch monitor 12. In this embodiment, the touch monitor 12 can switch between displaying a basic screen 500A that is displayed during operation and a menu screen 500B that is called up in response to the operation of the input device. Both the basic screen 500A and the menu screen 500B display multiple setting status display icons 501, a clock 505, air conditioning setting status 510, audio setting status 511, and an operation guide (icons 13a', 13b' or icons 13a”, 13b”) that shows the function assignment of the input device 13, as explained in Figure 5. The setting status display icons 501 display setting statuses such as the driving mode related to the setting of the driving speed by the vehicle 1e and the power mode related to the setting of the maximum rotational speed of the engine 4. In this embodiment, the setting status display icons 501 and the clock 505 are displayed at the top of the screen, while the air conditioning setting status 510, audio setting status 511, and operation guide are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

[0033] The basic screen 500A is the screen displayed during operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, and displays information that is frequently checked during operation, such as the fuel gauge 506, the water temperature gauge 507, and the monitoring video 508 captured by cameras 8a-8c. The monitoring video 508 exemplified in Figure 6 is an overhead view created by combining images captured by cameras 8a-8c. The operation guide icon 13a'' on the basic screen 500A indicates that the engine speed will change when the jog dial 13a of the input device 13 is rotated. The operation guide icon 13b' on the basic screen 500A indicates that the screen will switch to the menu screen 500B when the push button 13b of the input device 13 is pressed.

[0034] The menu screen 500B, which is displayed when the push button 13b is pressed, displays several item icons 512-517 related to various settings that can be changed through screen operation. In Figure 6, the menu screen 500B is shown as an example of the display of an item icon 512 related to notifications, an item icon 513 related to attachments to be mounted on the front work machine 1A, an item icon 514 related to the settings of the touch monitor 12, an item icon 515 related to information about the body 1B of the hydraulic excavator 1, an item icon 516 related to work settings such as the type of soil to be excavated, and an item icon 517 related to the settings of the air conditioner, but the menu items can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] Icon 13b' on menu screen 500B indicates that pressing the push button 13b on input device 13 switches the screen to the basic screen 500A. Icon 13a'' on menu screen 500B indicates that rotating the jog dial 13a on input device 13 changes the engine speed, and tilting the jog dial 13a moves the focus 518 between item icons 512-517. The menu screen 500B shown in Figure 6 is the top screen of the settings screen. On menu screen 500B, move the focus 518 to select an item icon, and then press the jog dial 13a to confirm, which displays the next level screen related to the selected item. On the lower level screen that is displayed, you can check and change the settings of the item. On the operation screen, the setting status display icon 501, clock 505, air conditioner setting status 510, audio setting status 511, and operation guide (icons 13a, 13b) are displayed in the same way as on menu screen 500B.

[0036] Furthermore, the item icons 512-517 on the menu screen 500B may be selected and confirmed not only by operating the jog dial 13a, but also by touch operation.

[0037] -Control device- Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the control device 11. Various devices, including operating devices, sensors, and actuators, are connected to the control device 11, and each actuator is controlled by the control device 11 in accordance with the operator's operations and the output of the sensors. The control device 11 is a computer having an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, memory such as RAM or ROM, and a storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and has the function of controlling the display on the touch monitor 12 and the rotational speed of the engine 4.

[0038] This control device 11 includes a camera image acquisition unit 601, a display control unit 602, a control command value determination unit 603, a vehicle body setting management unit 604, a lever operation amount determination unit 605, an operation feasibility determination unit 606, an operation information acquisition unit 607, a function assignment management unit 608, and an operation processing unit 609. These are the functions of the control device 11 and may be implemented by hardware elements such as electronic circuits or by software elements. Each function will be described below.

[0039] The camera image acquisition unit 601 acquires video signals from cameras 8a-8c, performs image correction and synthesis processing as needed, and outputs the result to the display control unit 602.

[0040] The display control unit 602 generates display data based on various setting information and function assignment information of the input device 13, which are input from the operation processing unit 609, the vehicle body setting management unit 604, the camera image acquisition unit 601, and the control command value determination unit 603. The display data is then output to the touch monitor 12, and the display screen is displayed on the touch monitor 12.

[0041] The control command value determination unit 603 calculates a control command value for the electronic control valve 7 and outputs a control signal based on the operation status of the hydraulic excavator 1 input from the operation feasibility determination unit 606, the operation information input from the lever operation amount determination unit 605, and the setting information input from the vehicle body setting management unit 604. The electronic control valve 7 is driven by the control signal from the control command value and controls the flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to each hydraulic actuator.

[0042] The control command value determination unit 603 determines that the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an operating state if it calculates a control command value that commands the operation of any of the hydraulic actuators, and that the hydraulic excavator 1 is in a non-operating state if it calculates a control command value that does not drive any of the hydraulic actuators, and outputs the determined value to the display control unit 602.

[0043] Furthermore, the control command value determination unit 603 also uses setting information related to the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, such as the driving mode, power mode, and attachment type, which is input from the vehicle body setting management unit 604, in calculating the control command value.

[0044] The vehicle setting management unit 604 holds setting values ​​related to the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, such as the driving mode and engine mode, and outputs setting information according to the current settings to the display control unit 602 and the control command value determination unit 603.

[0045] The lever operation amount determination unit 605 determines the operation amount of each operation lever 9a-9d in response to the operation signals from the operation levers 9a-9d and outputs operation information. For example, the operation information for the operation levers 9a-9d is expressed as 0 for the neutral position of the lever, positive or negative for the direction of operation, and 1 to 100 for the operation amount, with the output being a numerical value in the range of -100 to 100.

[0046] The operation feasibility determination unit 606 detects the position of the shut-off lever 10 and determines whether the hydraulic excavator 1 is operational or not. The operation feasibility determination unit 606 determines that work operation (visual operation of the front work implement 1A and the vehicle body 1B) is not possible when the shut-off lever 10 is in the locked position, and determines that work operation is possible when the shut-off lever 10 is in the unlocked position, and outputs the result.

[0047] The operation information acquisition unit 607 acquires signals from the jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b-13e and converts these signals into switch operation information. The switch operation information includes, for example, the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the jog dial 13a, the tilt operation direction and the pressed state, and the pressed state of each of the push buttons 13b-13e.

[0048] The function assignment management unit 608 manages the current operating mode and function assignment information of the input device 13. The processing of the function assignment management unit 608 will be described later with reference to Figure 8.

[0049] The operation processing unit 609 outputs operation requests to the display control unit 602 for the display screen of the touch monitor 12, requests to the vehicle body setting management unit 604 for changes to various vehicle body settings, and requests to the function assignment management unit 608 for changes to the operation mode, based on the operation information of the jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b-13e and the current function assignment information.

[0050] -Function assignment process- Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for assigning functions to the input device 13 by the function assignment management unit 608. Based on various information input from the display control unit 602 and the operation processing unit 609, the function assignment management unit 608 switches the operation mode of the input device 13 and performs processing such as assigning functions to the input device 13 and screen transitions for the touch monitor 12. When the control device 11 is started up, the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12 as the default screen, and the input device 13 is set to a function assignment corresponding to the engine mode. While the control device 11 is running thereafter, the function assignment management unit 608 repeatedly executes the process shown in Figure 8.

[0051] First, the function assignment management unit 608 receives a request from the operation processing unit 609 to change the operation mode in response to the operation of the push button 13b (step 608a). The function assignment management unit 608 also determines whether the current operation mode is screen operation mode (step 608b). If the current operation mode is screen operation mode, the function assignment management unit 608 determines whether a request to change the operation mode has been input (step 608c).

[0052] If it is determined in step 608c that a mode change request has been made, the function assignment management unit 608 outputs a screen transition request to the basic screen 500A to the display control unit 602 (step 608d), outputs function assignment information for the input device 13 corresponding to the engine mode to the operation processing unit 609 (step 608e), and returns to step 608a.

[0053] If it is determined in step 608c that no mode change request has been made, the function assignment management unit 608 continues to request the display control unit 602 to display the menu screen 500B (or the lower-level screen if a lower-level screen of the current menu screen 500B is displayed), and also outputs the function assignment information of the input device 13 corresponding to the screen operation mode to the operation processing unit 609 (step 608f), and returns to step 608a.

[0054] If it is determined in step 608b that the current operating mode is engine mode, the function assignment management unit 608 determines whether a request to change the operating mode has been input (step 608g). If it is determined in step 608g that a mode change request has been input, the function assignment management unit 608 outputs a screen transition request to menu screen 500B to the display control unit 602 (step 608h), outputs function assignment information for the input device 13 corresponding to the screen operation mode to the operation processing unit 609 (step 608i), and returns to step 608a.

[0055] If it is determined in step 608g that no mode change request has been made, the function assignment management unit 608 continues to request the display of the basic screen 500A from the display control unit 602, and also outputs the function assignment information of the input device 13 corresponding to the engine mode to the operation processing unit 609 (step 608j), and returns to step 608a.

[0056] In this manner, the control device 11 instructs the touch monitor 12 to switch between the basic screen 500A and the menu screen 500B in response to the operation of the push button 13b, which is a second physical input device different from the jog dial 13a, and assigns a function to the jog dial 13a corresponding to each screen.

[0057] -Operation Processing- Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedures for various settings and screen changes performed by the operation processing unit 609. Based on various information input from the operation feasibility determination unit 606, the operation information acquisition unit 607, and the function assignment management unit 608, the operation processing unit 609 generates and outputs operation requests for the display screen of the touch monitor 12 to the display control unit 602 and requests for changes to various vehicle body settings to the vehicle body setting management unit 604. While the control device 11 is operating, the operation processing unit 609 repeatedly executes the process shown in Figure 9.

[0058] First, the operation processing unit 609 obtains the current function assignment information for the input device 13 from the function assignment management unit 608 (step 609a) and determines whether the current operation mode of the input device 13 is screen operation mode (step 609b). If the current operation mode is screen operation mode, the operation processing unit 609 obtains the current operation information for the input device 13 from the operation information acquisition unit 607 (step 609c) and determines whether the input device 13 has been operated (step 609d). If the input device 13 has not been operated, the operation processing unit 609 returns to step 609a, and if an input operation has been performed, it determines whether that input operation is an operation of the jog dial 13a (step 609e).

[0059] If in step 609e it is determined that the input operation is an operation of push buttons 13b-13e, the operation processing unit 609 determines whether the input operation is an operation of push button 13b (step 609j). If the input operation is an operation of push button 13b, the operation processing unit 609 outputs a request to the function assignment management unit 608 to change the operation mode of the input device 13 (step 609k), and returns to step 609a. If in step 609j it is determined that the input operation is not an operation of push button 13b (but is an operation of any of the push buttons 13c-13e), the operation processing unit 609 returns to step 609a without performing any request processing to the display control unit 602, the vehicle body setting management unit 604, or the function assignment management unit 608 (step 609l).

[0060] If it is determined in step 609e that the input operation is an operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 determines the content of that dial operation (step 609f). If it is determined that the content of the dial operation is a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 outputs an engine speed setting change request to the vehicle setting management unit 604 and at the same time outputs a screen operation request to the display control unit 602 to change the display of the indicator representing the engine speed of icon 13a" (Figure 6) (step 609g), and returns to step 609a.

[0061] If, in step 609f, it is determined that the dial operation is a press operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 determines the setting item selected by the focus 518 on the menu screen 500B, outputs a screen operation request to the display control unit 602 to display the next level screen for the determined setting item (step 609h), and returns to step 609a.

[0062] If, in step 609f, it is determined that the dial operation is a tilt operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 outputs a screen operation request to the display control unit 602 to move the focus 518 in the tilt operation direction on the menu screen 500B (step 609i), and the procedure returns to step 609a.

[0063] If it is determined in step 609b that the current operating mode is engine mode, the operation processing unit 609 determines, based on the operation feasibility determination unit 606, whether the operation of the operating levers 9a-9d has just switched from an enabled state to an disabled state, that is, whether the operation of the operating levers 9a-9d has switched from an enabled state to an disabled state in the current processing cycle (step 609n). If the operation of the operating levers 9a-9d has just switched from an enabled state to an disabled state, the operation processing unit 609 outputs a change request to the function assignment management unit 608 to change the operating mode of the input device 13 to screen operation mode (step 609o), and returns to step 609a. As the operating mode of the input device 13 switches to screen operation mode, the screen of the touch monitor 12 switches to the menu screen 500B (Figure 8, step 608f). In this way, the control device 11 determines whether the operation of the operation levers 9a-9d is enabled or disabled based on the operating state of the shut-off lever 10. If the operation of the operation levers 9a-9d is switched from enabled to disabled by the shut-off lever 10, the control device 11 automatically displays the menu screen 500B on the touch monitor 12 and assigns the screen operation function to the second operating direction of the input device 13.

[0064] If, in step 609n, the operation of the operating levers 9a-9d has not just switched from an enabled state to an disabled state, that is, if the operation of the operating levers 9a-9d is in an enabled state or has continued to be in an disabled state from the previous processing cycle, the operation processing unit 609 obtains the current operation information of the input device 13 from the operation information acquisition unit 607 (step 609p) and determines whether the input device 13 has been operated (step 609q). If the input device 13 has not been operated, the operation processing unit 609 returns to step 609a, and if an input operation has been performed, it determines whether that input operation is an operation of the jog dial 13a (step 609r). If, in step 609r, it is determined that the input operation is not an operation of the jog dial 13a (but an operation of the push buttons 13b-13e), the operation processing unit 609 moves to step 609j described above and determines whether the operation was of the push button 13b (step 609j). If the input operation is the operation of push button 13b, the operation processing unit 609 outputs a request to the function assignment management unit 608 to change the operation mode of the input device 13 (step 609k), and returns to step 609a. If it is determined in step 609j that the input operation is not the operation of push button 13b (but is an operation of any of the push buttons 13c-13e), the operation processing unit 609 returns to step 609a without performing any request processing to the display control unit 602, the vehicle body setting management unit 604, or the function assignment management unit 608 (step 609l).

[0065] If it is determined in step 609r that the input operation is an operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 determines whether the dial operation is a rotation operation (step 609s). If it is determined that the content of the dial operation is a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a, the operation processing unit 609 outputs an engine speed setting change request to the vehicle setting management unit 604 and at the same time outputs a screen operation request to the display control unit 602 to change the display of the indicator representing the engine speed of icon 13a' (Figure 6) (step 609t), and returns to step 609a.

[0066] If, in step 609s, it is determined that the dial operation is not a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a, but rather a pressing or tilting operation, the operation processing unit 609 returns to step 609a without performing any request processing to the display control unit 602, the vehicle body setting management unit 604, or the function assignment management unit 608 (step 609u).

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, when the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12 and the jog dial 13a receives a tilt operation (operation in the second operating direction), the control device 11 executes a screen operation function to perform a screen operation on the menu screen 500B corresponding to the tilt operation of the jog dial 13a (i.e., display of the menu screen 500B, specifically changing the position of the focus 518) (step 609i). Furthermore, when the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12, the control device 11 disables the tilt operation (operation in the second operating direction) of the jog dial 13a and maintains the current display on the touch monitor 12 without executing a screen operation function, even if the jog dial 13a is tilted (step 609u).

[0068] In response, when the control device 11 receives a rotation operation (operation in the first operating direction) on the jog dial 13a, it executes a rotation speed change function and instructs the engine 4 to change the rotation speed according to the amount of rotation operation on the jog dial 13a, regardless of whether the basic screen 500A or the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12 (steps 609g, 609t).

[0069] -effect- (1) As described above, the jog dial 13a can be rotated (operated in the first operating direction) and tilted (operated in the second operating direction). The rotation of the jog dial 13a is assigned to the engine speed change function, and the tilt of the jog dial 13a is assigned to the touch monitor 12 screen operation function. When the jog dial 13a is tilted while the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12, the control device 11 executes the screen operation function and instructs the touch monitor 12 to change the menu screen 500B according to the tilt operation. Conversely, when the jog dial 13a is rotated, the control device 11 instructs the engine 4 to change its speed according to the rotation operation, regardless of whether the basic screen 500A or the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12.

[0070] Thus, when operating the screen by tilting the jog dial 13a, the condition for executing the screen operation function is that the menu screen 500B is displayed on the touch monitor 12. When operating the jog dial 13a, the operator checks the screen of the touch monitor 12, so if the screen is the basic screen 500A when the operator checks the touch monitor 12 for screen operation, the operator can realize at that stage that a switch in operation mode is necessary in order to perform screen operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary operation of the jog dial 13a due to misidentification of the operation mode, guide the operator to switch operation modes, and promote smooth screen operation.

[0071] On the other hand, when the jog dial 13a is rotated, the engine speed is changed regardless of whether the touch monitor 12 displays the basic screen 500A or the menu screen 500B. Changing the engine speed is an operation that is performed frequently during the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, and even when the menu screen 500B is displayed, there is no need to switch screens each time to change the engine speed; the engine speed can always be changed with the same operation of rotating the jog dial 13a.

[0072] Therefore, according to this embodiment, misinterpretation of the function assignment of the jog dial 13a is suppressed, and the engine speed can be changed quickly and easily, thereby preventing a decrease in work efficiency.

[0073] (2) The basic screen 500A is the screen displayed while the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation. Also, the engine speed may be changed frequently while in operation. Therefore, if the function assigned to the tilt operation of the jog dial 13a is enabled while the basic screen 500A is displayed, the function assigned to the tilt operation may be activated unintentionally if the jog dial 13a is tilted by mistake. In this case, depending on the function that was activated, it may be necessary to reset the setting to its original state.

[0074] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12, the control device 11 disables input from the tilt operation of the jog dial 13a. Therefore, even if the jog dial 13a is misoperated (tilted) while the basic screen 500A is displayed, the control device 11 will not output a command in response, thus preventing the unintended operation of functions.

[0075] (3) The jog dial 13a has a configuration that allows for multiple degrees of freedom. In this embodiment, rotation is possible as an operation in the first operating direction, and tilt is possible as an operation in the second operating direction. Thus, instead of distinguishing between multiple operations by operating procedures or operating patterns, a configuration is adopted that allows for two types of independent operations with mechanically different operating directions, thereby effectively suppressing erroneous operation.

[0076] (4) When the operation of the operation levers 9a-9d is switched from enabled to disabled by the operation of the shut-off lever 10, the menu screen 500B is automatically displayed on the touch monitor 12 and the screen operation function is assigned to the jog dial 13a (in this embodiment, the tilt operation is enabled). When the basic screen 500A is displayed on the touch monitor 12, the jog dial 13a can only be used to change the engine speed. However, when the operation of the operation levers 9a-9d is disabled, the frequency of changing the engine speed decreases, while the opportunities to perform screen operations (change various settings) increase. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the operation of the operation levers 9a-9d is disabled by the shut-off lever 10, which triggers the automatic display of the menu screen 500B that displays many setting items, and the operation mode is also switched accordingly. This eliminates the need for the operator to switch the touch monitor 12 screen to the menu screen 500B when changing various settings, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0077] (5) Furthermore, if the operation of the jog dial 13a is assigned to switch between the basic screen 500A and the menu screen 500B, the screen and operation mode may switch due to accidental operation of the jog dial 13a while setting the engine speed or operating the screen, resulting in unintended setting changes and requiring the user to revert the settings to their original state.

[0078] In contrast, in this embodiment, the switching of the basic screen 500A and the menu screen 500B, as well as the operation mode, is performed by a push button 13b, which is a second input device separate from the jog dial 13a to which the engine speed change function and screen operation function are assigned. Therefore, it is mechanically possible to make it difficult for unintended setting changes due to erroneous operation of the jog dial 13a, or the trouble of reverting unintended settings to their original state, to occur.

[0079] -Additional remarks- The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may include various modifications. For example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to a configuration comprising all the components described in each of the embodiments above. For example, it is possible to replace some of the components with other components. It is also possible to delete some of the components of the embodiments or add other components.

[0080] For example, we have illustrated a configuration in which the engine speed change function is assigned to the rotation operation of the jog dial 13a, and the screen operation function is assigned to the tilt operation / press operation of the jog dial 13a. However, the correspondence between the operation direction and the assigned function is not limited to this example and can be changed. Furthermore, while we have illustrated the jog dial 13a, which is capable of rotation, tilt, and press operations, as the input device to which the engine speed change function and screen operation function are assigned, any input device that is mechanically capable of operation in multiple directions can be used instead of the jog dial 13a. For example, a jog dial that can be slid instead of tilted, a joystick with a button at the tip of a tiltable lever, or a so-called trackball that can be pressed can also be used as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1...Hydraulic excavator (working machine), 1A...Front work implement, 1B...Vehicle body, 4...Engine (prime mover), 8a-8c...Camera, 9a-9d...Operating lever, 10...Shut-off lever (interlock operating device), 1A...Front work implement, 1B...Vehicle body, 11...Control device, 12...Touch monitor (monitor), 13a...Jog dial (input device, dial), 13b...Push button (second input device), 500A...Basic screen, 500B...Menu screen, 512-517...Item icons (setting items)

Claims

1. A work machine comprising a prime mover, a monitor, an input device to which multiple functions including a function for adjusting the rotational speed of the prime mover can be assigned, and a control device for controlling the display on the monitor and the rotational speed of the prime mover, The monitor is capable of displaying a basic screen shown during operation and a menu screen that is called up in response to the operation of the input device. The input device can be operated in a first operating direction and a second operating direction using the same operating member. The first operating direction is assigned to the function of changing the rotation speed of the prime mover, and the second operating direction is assigned to the function of operating the monitor screen. The control device is When the menu screen is displayed on the monitor and the input device receives an operation in the second operating direction, the device executes a screen operation on the menu screen corresponding to the operation in the second operating direction. Regardless of whether the basic screen or the menu screen is displayed on the monitor, when the input device receives an operation in the first operating direction, it instructs the prime mover to change the rotational speed according to the amount of operation in the first operating direction. A work machine characterized by the following features.

2. In the work machine described in claim 1, The control device disables the input to the second operating direction of the input device when the basic screen is displayed on the monitor. A work machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the work machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned screen operation function is a function that allows the user to select from multiple setting items displayed on the menu screen and input setting changes. A work machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the work machine described in claim 1, The input device is a dial that can be rotated and tilted. The operation in the first operating direction is the rotational operation of the dial, The operation in the second operating direction is the tilting operation of the dial. A work machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the work machine described in claim 1, Operating levers for operating the vehicle body and front work equipment, The system includes an interlock operating device for setting the operation of the aforementioned operating lever to enable or disable it, The control device is When the operation of the operating lever is switched from enabled to disabled by the interlock operating device, the menu screen is automatically displayed on the monitor, and the screen operation function is assigned to the second operating direction of the input device. A work machine characterized by the following features.

6. In the work machine described in claim 1, A second input device different from the aforementioned input device is provided, The control device instructs the monitor to switch the display between the basic screen and the menu screen in response to the operation of the second input device. A work machine characterized by the following features.

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