STARTING SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE AND STARTING METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

Abstract

To provide a startup system allowing a work machine to be operable soon while securing security.SOLUTION: A startup system for a work machine is provided with a controller controlling the work machine, a proximity detection unit for detecting approach of a specific operator to the work machine, and a startup unit for staring up at least a part of the controller when detecting the approach of the specific operator to the work machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a starting system for a work machine and a starting method for a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of work machines, a technology is known in which a keyless entry system detects the presence of an operator via a wireless signal and enables the door to be unlocked. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology regarding a keyless entry system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-205469 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, because the control unit for controlling the work machine is started by the operator operating the ignition key or the like after getting on the work machine, it may take some time before the operator is able to operate the work machine. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a starting system and a starting method for a work machine that can quickly make the work machine operable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect, a start-up system for a work machine includes a control unit that controls the work machine, a proximity detection unit that detects when a specific operator approaches the work machine, and a start-up unit that starts at least a part of the control unit when it is detected that the specific operator has approached the work machine. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the above aspect, the starting system of the work machine can make the work machine operable early. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a work machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a driver's cab according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a software configuration of the starter signal unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a start-up operation of a work machine by the control system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a communication process between the control system according to the first embodiment and an operator terminal. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control system when a door switch is pressed in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an authentication operation of an operator who is on board a work machine, performed by the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] First Embodiment Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Configuration of the work machine 100 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a work machine 100 according to a first embodiment. The work machine 100 operates at a construction site and works on a construction target such as earth and sand. The work machine 100 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The work machine 100 includes a traveling body 110, a rotating body 120, a work implement 130, and a cab 140. The work machine 100 according to the first embodiment authenticates the operator by communicating with an operator terminal 300 such as a smartphone carried by the operator via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth is a registered trademark). Note that in other embodiments, the work machine 100 and the operator terminal 300 may communicate with each other via a short-range wireless communication method other than BLE, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Zigbee (registered trademark).

[0010] The running body 110 supports the working machine 100 so that the working machine 100 can run. The running body 110 includes two endless tracks 111 provided on the left and right sides, and two travel motors 112 for driving each of the endless tracks 111. The rotating body 120 is supported by the running body 110 so as to be capable of rotating about a rotation center. The work machine 130 is hydraulically driven. The work machine 130 is supported on the front part of the rotating body 120 so as to be drivable in the vertical direction. The operator's cab 140 is a space where an operator sits and operates the work machine 100. The operator's cab 140 is provided on the left front part of the rotating body 120. Here, the part of the rotating body 120 to which the work machine 130 is attached is referred to as the front part. Furthermore, with respect to the rotating body 120, the part opposite the front part is referred to as the rear part, the left part as the left part, and the right part as the right part.

[0011] Configuration of the rotating body 120 The rotating body 120 is equipped with an engine 121 , a hydraulic pump 122 , a control valve 123 , a rotating motor 124 , and a fuel injection device 125 . The engine 121 is a prime mover that drives the hydraulic pump 122. The engine 121 is an example of a power source. The engine 121 is provided with a starter motor 1211. The engine 121 is started by the rotation of the starter motor 1211. The hydraulic pump 122 is a variable displacement pump driven by the engine 121. The hydraulic pump 122 supplies hydraulic oil via a control valve 123 to each actuator (a boom cylinder 131C, an arm cylinder 132C, a bucket cylinder 133C, the traveling motor 112, and a swing motor 124). The control valve 123 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122 . The swing motor 124 is driven by hydraulic oil supplied from a hydraulic pump 122 via a control valve 123 to swing the swing body 120 . The fuel injector 125 injects fuel into the engine 121 .

[0012] Configuration of the work machine 130 The work machine 130 includes a boom 131, an arm 132, a bucket 133, a boom cylinder 131C, an arm cylinder 132C, and a bucket cylinder 133C.

[0013] The base end of the boom 131 is attached to the rotating body 120 via a boom pin. The arm 132 connects the boom 131 and the bucket 133. The base end of the arm 132 is attached to the tip of the boom 131 via an arm pin. The bucket 133 includes a blade for excavating earth and sand and a storage section for storing the excavated earth and sand. A base end of the bucket 133 is attached to a tip end of the arm 132 via a bucket pin.

[0014] The boom cylinder 131C is a hydraulic cylinder for operating the boom 131. A base end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the rotating body 120. A tip end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the boom 131. The arm cylinder 132C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the arm 132. A base end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the boom 131. A tip end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the arm 132. The bucket cylinder 133C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the bucket 133. A base end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to the arm 132. A tip end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to a link member connected to the bucket 133.

[0015] Configuration of the cab 140 A door 141 for an operator to board is provided on the left side of the cab 140. The door 141 is provided with a lock actuator 1411 for locking the door 141 and a door switch 1412 for unlocking the door.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the operator's cab 140 according to the first embodiment. A driver's seat 142, an operating device 143, a rotary switch 144, and a touch panel 145D are provided in the driver's cab 140. The rotary switch 144 is a switch that can take four positions, OFF, ACC (accessory), IG (ignition), and ST (start), when rotated. When the finger is released from the ST position on the rotary switch 144, it automatically returns to the IG position by a spring mechanism (not shown).

[0017] The operation device 143 is a device for driving the traveling body 110, the rotating body 120, and the work machine 130 by manual operation by an operator. The operation device 143 includes a left operation lever 143LO, a right operation lever 143RO, a left foot pedal 143LF, a right foot pedal 143RF, a left traveling lever 143LT, and a right traveling lever 143RT.

[0018] The left operation lever 143LO is provided on the left side of the driver's seat 142. The right operation lever 143RO is provided on the right side of the driver's seat 142.

[0019] The left operation lever 143LO is an operation mechanism for performing the rotation operation of the revolving body 120 and the excavation / dumping operation of the arm 132. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left operation lever 143LO forward, the arm 132 performs the dumping operation. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left operation lever 143LO rearward, the arm 132 performs the excavation operation. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left operation lever 143LO to the right, the revolving body 120 rotates to the right. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the left operation lever 143LO to the left, the revolving body 120 rotates to the left. Note that in other embodiments, when the left operation lever 143LO is tilted in the front-rear direction, the revolving body 120 rotates to the right or left, and when the left operation lever 143LO is tilted in the left-right direction, the arm 132 performs the excavation operation or the dumping operation.

[0020] The right operation lever 143RO is an operation mechanism for performing an excavation / dump operation of the bucket 133 and a raising / lowering operation of the boom 131. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right operation lever 143RO forward, a lowering operation of the boom 131 is performed. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right operation lever 143RO rearward, a raising operation of the boom 131 is performed. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right operation lever 143RO to the right, a dump operation of the bucket 133 is performed. When the operator of the work machine 100 tilts the right operation lever 143RO to the left, an excavation operation of the bucket 133 is performed. Note that in other embodiments, when the right operation lever 143RO is tilted in the front-rear direction, the bucket 133 may perform a dump operation or an excavation operation, and when the right operation lever 143RO is tilted in the left-right direction, the boom 131 may perform a raising operation or a lowering operation.

[0021] The left foot pedal 143LF is located on the left side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The right foot pedal 143RF is located on the right side of the floor surface in front of the driver's seat 142. The left travel lever 143LT is pivoted to the left foot pedal 143LF and configured so that the tilt of the left travel lever 143LT and the depression of the left foot pedal 143LF are linked. The right travel lever 143RT is pivoted to the right foot pedal 143RF and configured so that the tilt of the right travel lever 143RT and the depression of the right foot pedal 143RF are linked.

[0022] The left foot pedal 143LF and the left traveling lever 143LT correspond to the rotational drive of the left crawler belt of the traveling body 110. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the left foot pedal 143LF or the left traveling lever 143LT forward, the left crawler belt rotates in the forward direction. Conversely, when the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the left foot pedal 143LF or the left traveling lever 143LT backward, the left crawler belt rotates in the reverse direction.

[0023] The right foot pedal 143RF and the right traveling lever 143RT correspond to the rotational drive of the right crawler belt of the traveling body 110. Specifically, when the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right foot pedal 143RF or the right traveling lever 143RT forward, the right crawler belt rotates in the forward direction. Conversely, when the operator of the work machine 100 pushes the right foot pedal 143RF or the right traveling lever 143RT backward, the right crawler belt rotates in the reverse direction.

[0024] Configuration of control system 145 Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control system 145 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 3, solid lines represent power lines, dashed lines represent signal lines, and dashed lines represent wireless communication. The control system 145 includes a power supply unit 201, a starter signal unit 202, a gateway function controller 203, a monitor controller 204, a control controller 205, and an engine controller 206. The starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206 are connected to one another via an in-vehicle network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206 configure a control unit that controls the work machine 100.

[0025] The power supply unit 201 supplies electrical energy to each device constituting the control system 145 . The starter signal unit 202 receives signal inputs from the door switch 1412, the rotary switch 144, the operator terminal 300, and the monitor controller 204. Based on the input signals, the starter signal unit 202 outputs a start signal to the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, the engine controller 206, the lock actuator 1411, or the starter motor 1211. The controller to which the start signal is input is started and operates by the electric energy supplied by the power supply unit 201. Note that the starter signal unit 202 always operates by receiving the supply of electric energy from the power supply unit 201 even when the other controllers are in a stopped state. On the other hand, when the working machine 100 is not started, the starter signal unit 202 may be configured such that only the BLE communication unit 221 described later is in an activated state, and the other components are in a suspended state, or may be activated intermittently.

[0026] The gateway function controller 203 relays communication between controllers such as the starter signal unit 202, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206. The gateway function controller 203 is an example of a second control unit that controls communication. The monitor controller 204 controls the display on the touch panel 145D included in the control system 145, and notifies the occurrence of a touch operation on the touch panel 145D. Note that the control system 145 according to another embodiment may include a monitor without a touch input function, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and physical buttons, instead of the touch panel 145D. In this case, the monitor controller 204 controls the display on the monitor, and notifies the occurrence of a press of the physical button. The control controller 205 acquires various data related to the hydraulic equipment that controls the operation of the work machine 130 by sensors (not shown), and outputs control signals for controlling the hydraulic equipment in accordance with the operation of the operation device 143. In other words, the control controller 205 controls the drive of the boom cylinder 131C, arm cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, travel motor 112, swing motor 124, etc. The control controller 205 is an example of a first control unit that outputs control signals for driving the body of the work machine 100 with power supplied by a power source. The engine controller 206 acquires various data related to the engine 121 by sensors (not shown) and controls the engine 121 by instructing the fuel injection device 125 on the amount of fuel injection.

[0027] There is a difference in the startup time of each controller. Among the controllers, the gateway function controller 203 may have a longer startup time than other controllers such as the starter signal unit 202, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206.

[0028] The control system 145 has a function of performing authentication processing of the operator in the cab 140 by operating the touch panel 145D. For example, the control system 145 may be provided with a controller that performs the authentication processing, or the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, and the monitor controller 204 may have a function of performing the authentication processing. Specifically, the control system 145 displays an operator ID selection screen on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204, and accepts the selection of the operator ID. When the selected operator ID indicates an operator who has operation authority and is close to the work machine 100, the control system 145 authenticates that the operator in the cab 140 is an operator who has operation authority. The monitor controller 204 is an example of an authentication unit that authenticates the operator of the work machine 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a software configuration of the starter signal unit 202 according to the first embodiment. The starter signal unit 202 includes a BLE communication unit 221 , a network communication unit 222 , a signal input unit 223 , an operator memory unit 224 , a proximity detection unit 225 , a startup unit 226 , and a state memory unit 227 .

[0030] The BLE communication unit 221 operates as a BLE central and communicates with the operator terminal 300. The BLE communication unit 221 searches for an operator terminal 300 with which it can communicate, and receives an advertising packet from the discovered operator terminal 300. The advertising packet includes an operator ID for identifying the operator and a machine ID for indicating the work machine 100 to be started. The operator ID may be, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device address of the operator terminal 300.

[0031] The network communication unit 222 communicates with other controllers via an in-vehicle network. The signal input unit 223 receives signal inputs from the door switch 1412 and the rotary switch 144 .

[0032] The operator memory unit 224 stores, for each operator, an operator ID, a display name, and an authority flag indicating whether or not the operator has authority to operate the work machine 100. An authority flag value that is ON indicates that the operator has authority to operate the work machine 100, and an authority flag value that is OFF indicates that the operator does not have authority to operate the work machine 100. Hereinafter, an operator whose authority flag value is ON, i.e., an operator who has authority to operate the work machine 100, is also referred to as a specific operator.

[0033] The proximity detection unit 225 determines whether or not a specific operator is present in the vicinity of the work machine 100, based on the advertising packet received by the BLE communication unit 221 and the information stored in the operator memory unit 224. That is, the proximity detection unit 225 detects that a specific operator has approached the work machine 100. Specifically, the proximity detection unit 225 identifies an operator ID included in an advertising packet received by the BLE communication unit 221, and determines that a specific operator is in proximity to the work machine 100 when an authority flag associated with the identified operator ID in the operator memory unit 224 is ON. The proximity detection unit 225 records the operator ID of the specific operator in the status memory unit 227 as the proximity status of the specific operator.

[0034] The starting unit 226 outputs a starting signal to the gateway function controller 203 , the monitor controller 204 , the control controller 205 , the engine controller 206 , the lock actuator 1411 or the starter motor 1211 .

[0035] <<Operator terminal 300>> The operator terminal 300 functions as a BLE peripheral by executing a pre-installed startup program for the work machine 100. When the operator terminal 300 executes the startup program, it displays a list of the work machines 100 and accepts selection of the work machine 100 to be started from the operator. When the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the work machine 100, it starts transmitting an advertisement packet including the operator ID and the machine ID of the selected work machine 100.

[0036] Operation of Control System 145 Here, a description will be given of the start-up operation of the work machine 100 when an operator (specific operator) having the authority to operate the work machine 100 gets on the work machine 100. The control system 145 is an example of a start-up system for the work machine 100. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the start-up operation of the work machine 100 by the control system 145 in the first embodiment.

[0037] When an operator operates the operator terminal 300 and executes the startup program, a list of the work machines 100 is displayed and a selection of the work machine 100 to be started is accepted from the operator (step S1). When the operator terminal 300 accepts the selection of the work machine 100, it transmits an advertisement packet including the operator ID and the machine ID of the selected work machine 100 (step S2).

[0038] When the starter signal unit 202 receives the advertising packet and determines that a specific operator is in the vicinity, it transmits a start-up signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S3). This causes the gateway function controller 203 to start up (step S4). Thereafter, the gateway function controller 203 completes its start-up (step S5). Note that when the advertising packet first reaches the work machine 100, the operator terminal 300 and the work machine 100 are separated by the BLE communication distance. Therefore, if the time required to start the gateway function controller 203 is shorter than the time required for the operator to reach the work machine 100, it is possible to complete the start-up of the gateway function controller 203 by the time the operator reaches the work machine 100 (step S5).

[0039] When the operator reaches the work machine 100, he presses the door switch 1412 to open the door 141. This causes the starter signal unit 202 to receive a signal indicating ON from the door switch 1412 (step S6). After confirming the proximity of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141 (step S7).

[0040] When the operator gets into the cab 140 and turns the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ACC from the rotary switch 144 (step S8). The starter signal unit 202 confirms the proximity of the specific operator and then transmits an activation signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S9). This activates the monitor controller 204 (step S10).

[0041] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal for displaying a list screen of operators to the touch panel 145D (step S11). As a result, the list screen of operators is displayed on the touch panel 145D. The monitor controller 204 accepts the selection of one operator ID from the list screen of operators by the operator (step S12). The starter signal unit 202 confirms that the selected operator ID indicates a specific operator, and transmits a start signal to the control controller 205 (step S13). As a result, the control controller 205 starts up (step S14).

[0042] When the operator places the rotary switch 144 in the IG position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating IG from the rotary switch 144 (step S15). The starter signal unit 202 transmits a start signal to the engine controller 206 (step S16). This starts up the engine controller 206 (step S17).

[0043] When the operator places the rotary switch 144 in the ST position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ST from the rotary switch 144 (step S18). The starter signal unit 202 drives the starter motor 1211 (step S19). This starts the engine 121, and the working machine 100 becomes operable.

[0044] As described above, the control system 145 starts the gateway function controller 203 when a specific operator approaches, and then starts the control controller 205 after the specific operator has been authenticated. Since the operator needs to enter the cab 140 to be authenticated, the gateway function controller 203 is started up before the control controller 205 is started up. In this way, the control system 145 can ensure the security of the work machine 100 by starting up a device that does not control the body of the work machine 100, such as the gateway function controller 203, when a specific operator approaches. In addition, since the gateway function controller 203 takes longer to start up than other devices, the waiting time for operation of the work machine 100 can be shortened by starting it on the condition that a specific operator approaches.

[0045] The operation of the starter signal unit 202 will now be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing communication processing between the control system 145 according to the first embodiment and the operator terminal 300. The BLE communication unit 221 of the starter signal unit 202 performs scanning at each predetermined scan timing, and judges whether or not an advertising packet has been received (step S101). If no advertising packet is received (step S101: NO), the proximity detection unit 225 judges that no specific operator is present in the vicinity, rewrites the proximity data indicating the proximity state of the specific operator stored in the state storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan timing.

[0046] On the other hand, when an advertising packet is received (step S101: YES), the BLE communication unit 221 reads out the device ID and the operator ID from the advertising packet. The proximity detection unit 225 determines whether or not there is an advertising packet whose device ID indicates the work machine 100 (step S103). When there is no advertising packet whose device ID indicates the work machine 100 (step S103: NO), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator in the vicinity, rewrites the proximity data indicating the proximity state of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan timing.

[0047] If there is an advertising packet whose equipment ID indicates the work machine 100 (step S103: YES), the proximity detection unit 225 determines whether or not the authority flag associated with the operator ID of the advertising packet in the operator storage unit 224 is ON (step S104). If the authority flag associated with the operator ID is OFF (step S104: NO), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that no specific operator is present in the vicinity, rewrites the proximity data indicating the proximity state of the specific operator stored in the status storage unit 227 to blank (step S102), and waits until the next scan timing.

[0048] If the authority flag associated with the operator ID is ON (step S104: YES), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that a specific operator is present in the vicinity, and updates the proximity data indicating the proximity state of the specific operator stored in the status memory unit 227 to the operator ID included in the advertisement packet (step S105).

[0049] Next, the activation unit 226 transmits an activation signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S106). This enables the starter signal unit 202 to start activation of the gateway function controller 203 before the specific operator boards the work machine 100. The activation unit 226 also turns on lights (not shown) of the work machine 100 (step S107). This enables the starter signal unit 202 to inform the specific operator of the position of the work machine 100 that he or she is to board.

[0050] In other embodiments, some of the above processes may not be performed. For example, the starter signal unit 202 according to other embodiments may not perform the processes in steps S102, S103, S105, and S107.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system 145 when the door switch 1412 is pressed in the first embodiment. When the door switch 1412 is pressed, the signal input unit 223 of the starter signal unit 202 receives an input of a signal indicating ON from the door switch 1412 (step S121). The proximity detection unit 225 refers to the proximity data in the state storage unit 227 and determines whether or not the operator ID of at least one specific operator is included (step S122). If the proximity data includes the operator ID of a specific operator (step S122: YES), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that a specific operator is present in the vicinity, and the activation unit 226 drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141 (step S123). At this time, the activation unit 226 may sound a buzzer from a speaker (not shown) indicating that the lock has been unlocked.

[0052] On the other hand, if the proximity data does not include the operator ID of the specific operator (step S122: NO), the proximity detection unit 225 determines that there is no specific operator in the vicinity, and the activation unit 226 does not drive the lock actuator 1411. In this manner, the control system 145 causes the door 141 to be unlocked when a particular operator is present in the vicinity of the work machine 100 and does not cause the door 141 to be unlocked when a particular operator is not present in the vicinity of the work machine 100 .

[0053] Note that the work machine 100 according to other embodiments may perform unlocking using a physical key without following the flow chart of FIG.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the authentication operation of the operator on board the work machine 100 by the control system 145 according to the first embodiment. When an operator on board the work machine 100 turns the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the signal input section 223 of the starter signal unit 202 receives input of a signal indicating ACC from the rotary switch 144 (step S141). When the signal indicating ACC is input, the starting section 226 transmits a starting signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S142).

[0055] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal for displaying an operator list screen for accepting the selection of an operator ID to the touch panel 145D (step S143). Information indicating the operator list for accepting the selection of an operator ID may be stored in the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, or another controller. The monitor controller 204 may receive information indicating the operator list from a control device external to the work machine 100 and output a signal for displaying the operator list screen to the touch panel 145D. Since the gateway function controller 203 is started in advance by the process shown in FIG. 6, the monitor controller 204 can communicate with other controllers immediately after starting. Therefore, even when the monitor controller 204 acquires a signal for displaying the operator list screen from another controller, the monitor controller 204 can acquire the signal immediately after starting. The operator list screen includes the multiple operator IDs read out in step S143. As a result, touch panel 145D accepts one selection from among a plurality of operators.

[0056] When the operator selects one operator ID by operating the touch panel 145D, the control system 145 acquires the selected operator ID (step S144). The control system 145 determines whether the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data stored in the state storage unit 227 (step S145). If the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data (step S145: YES), the control system 145 authenticates that the onboard operator is a specific operator. The activation unit 226 transmits an activation signal to the controller 205 (step S146).

[0057] On the other hand, if the selected operator ID is not included in the proximity data (step S145: NO), the control system 145 determines that authentication of the on-board operator has failed. At this time, the activation unit 226 does not transmit an activation signal to the control controller 205. In other words, even if the gateway function controller 203 is activated by the proximity of a specific operator and the door 141 is unlocked, the control controller 205 for driving the work machine 100 with power will not be activated unless the on-board operator is authenticated as a specific operator. In this way, the control system 145 can prevent the work machine 100 from being operated by an outsider who does not have the operating authority.

[0058] As described above, the control system 145 performs authentication by having the operator select one operator ID from among multiple operator IDs. If the onboard operator is a specific operator who possesses the operator terminal 300, the operator can find and press his / her own operator ID on the operator list screen. On the other hand, an outsider who does not have the operation authority cannot know which operator ID indicates a specific operator present nearby, so the control system 145 can prevent unauthorized login.

[0059] At this time, security may be further enhanced by having the control system 145 further request a password or the like. In another embodiment, instead of the touch panel 145D, a biometric authentication device or a face authentication device may be used to authenticate the operator. In another embodiment, by connecting the operator terminal 300 to the control system 145, the operator ID may be obtained from the operator terminal 300 to authenticate the operator.

[0060] The processes of steps S144 to S145 described above may be performed by the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, or another controller. For example, the controller performing authentication may obtain the selected operator ID and the proximity data stored in the state storage unit 227, and determine whether the selected operator ID is included in the proximity data stored in the state storage unit 227.

[0061] Thereafter, when the rotary switch 144 is turned to the IG position, the starting unit 226 transmits a start signal to the engine controller 206, and when the rotary switch 144 is turned to the ST position, the starting unit 226 drives the starter motor 1211 to drive the engine 121. However, even if the engine 121 is running, the working machine 100 cannot be driven by the power of the engine 121 unless the operator is authenticated and the control controller 205 is started. Also, if the starter motor 1211 has a starter cut relay, the starting unit 226 may turn on the starter cut output when the operator is authenticated, thereby preventing the engine 121 from being driven unless the operator is authenticated.

[0062] Actions and Effects In this way, according to the first embodiment, when it is detected that a specific operator has approached the work machine 100, the control system 145 starts the gateway function controller 203 before the control controller 205. In this way, the control system 145 can make the work machine 100 operable at an early stage by starting the gateway function controller 203 upon detection of a specific operator. Furthermore, the control system 145 can enhance security by starting the control controller 205 after the gateway function controller 203. By not starting the control controller 205, it is possible to prevent the control controller 205 from being cracked.

[0063] In particular, since the startup time of the gateway function controller 203 according to the first embodiment is longer than the startup time of the control controller 205, by starting up the gateway function controller 203 first, it is possible to eliminate the time spent waiting for the startup of the gateway function controller 203.

[0064] The control system 145 according to the first embodiment detects a wireless signal emitted by an operator terminal 300 carried by the specific operator, thereby detecting that the specific operator has approached the work machine 100. This allows the operator to start up the gateway function controller 203 of the work machine 100 simply by approaching the work machine 100 while carrying the operator terminal 300.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the wireless signal emitted by the operator terminal 300 includes a machine ID indicating the work machine 100 to be started, and the proximity detection unit 225 determines whether or not to start the gateway function controller 203 based on the machine ID included in the wireless signal. This enables the control system 145 to prevent unnecessary start-up of a work machine 100 that is not a target for start-up.

[0066] After detecting that a specific operator has approached the work machine 100, the control system 145 authenticates the operator using a touch panel 145D provided in the cab 140 of the work machine 100. This allows the control system 145 to start up the controller 205 after confirming that not only is the specific operator present in the vicinity of the work machine 100, but that the operator aboard the work machine 100 is the specific operator.

[0067] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-mentioned processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some of the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0068] The starter signal unit 202 according to the embodiment described above may be configured by a single computer, or the configuration of the starter signal unit 202 may be divided and arranged among multiple computers, and the multiple computers may function as the starter signal unit 202 by working together. For example, within the starter signal unit 202, the function of outputting the start signal and the function of authenticating the operator may be implemented in separate computers. Some of the computers that configure the starter signal unit 202 may be mounted inside the work machine 100, and other computers may be provided outside the work machine 100.

[0069] In the control system 145 according to the embodiment described above, some of the components constituting the control system 145 may be mounted inside the work machine 100, and the other components may be provided outside the work machine 100.

[0070] The operator terminal 300 according to the embodiment described above is a terminal capable of executing an application program, such as a smartphone, but is not limited to this. For example, the operator terminal 300 according to another embodiment may be a key fob that only has a function of outputting a predetermined advertising packet. Note that, when the operator terminal 300 is a key fob, it is not possible to accept the selection of the work machine 100 to be started by the application program. In this case, among the work machines 100 that have received the advertising packet, all of those in which the operator ID included in the advertising packet is set as a specific operator may be started.

[0071] The control system 145 according to the embodiment described above displays an operator list screen including a plurality of operator IDs, but is not limited to this. For example, the control system 145 according to another embodiment may display, on the operator list screen, only the operator IDs corresponding to the specific operators determined by the proximity detection unit 225 to be in proximity to the work machine 100. In this case, if there is one specific operator determined to be in proximity, the one operator determined to be in proximity can be displayed on the operator list screen, and if there are two or more specific operators determined to be in proximity, the two or more operators determined to be in proximity can be displayed on the operator list screen.

[0072] The starter signal unit 202 according to the embodiment described above activates the gateway function controller 203 in response to the approach of a specific operator, but is not limited to this. For example, the starter signal unit 202 according to another embodiment may activate a controller other than the control controller 205 (such as the monitor controller 204 or a camera controller not shown) instead of or in addition to the gateway function controller 203.

[0073] The gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206 according to the above-described embodiments constitute a control unit that controls the work machine 100, but this is not limited to the above. For example, in other embodiments, a control unit that controls the work machine 100 may be constituted by parts of the gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206. Also, for example, in other embodiments, the control unit may further include other controllers.

[0074] Although the work machine 100 according to the embodiment described above is a hydraulic excavator, in other embodiments, it may be another work machine. Examples of the work machine 100 include a bulldozer, a dump truck, a forklift, a wheel loader, and a motor grader.

[0075] Computer Configuration FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. Each device (such as the starter signal unit 202, the gateway function controller 203, the monitor controller 204, the control controller 205, and the engine controller 206) included in the above-mentioned control system 145 is implemented in a computer 50. The computer 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, a storage 53, and an interface 54. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the storage 53 in the form of a program. The processor 51 reads out the program from the storage 53, expands it in the main memory 52, and executes the above-mentioned processing according to the program. The processor 51 also secures a storage area in the main memory 52 corresponding to each of the above-mentioned storage units according to the program. Examples of the processor 51 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0076] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 50. For example, the program may be for realizing the functions by combining with other programs already stored in the storage or by combining with other programs implemented in other devices. In another embodiment, the computer 50 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to the above configuration or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions to be realized by the processor 51 may be realized by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included in an example of a processor.

[0077] Examples of the storage 53 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 53 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 50, or an external medium connected to the computer 50 via the interface 54 or a communication line. In addition, when the program is distributed to the computer 50 via a communication line, the computer 50 that receives the program may load the program into the main memory 52 and execute the above-mentioned processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 53 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0078] The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with another program already stored in the storage 53. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100...working machine 110...traveling body 120...rotating body 121...engine 1211...starter motor 130...working machine 140...operator cab 1411...lock actuator 1412...door switch 142...operator seat 143...operation device 144...rotary switch 145...control system 145D...touch panel 201...power supply unit 202...starter signal unit 203...gateway function controller 204...monitor controller 205...controller 206...engine controller 221...BLE communication unit 222...network communication unit 223...signal input unit 224...operator memory unit 225...proximity detection unit 226...starting unit 227...status memory unit 300...operator terminal

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the work machine; a proximity detection unit that detects when a specific operator approaches the work machine; an activation unit that activates at least a part of the control unit when it is detected that the specific operator has approached the work machine; Equipped with The control unit is a first control unit that outputs a control signal for driving the vehicle body using power supplied by the power source; A second control unit that controls communication between devices that constitute the control unit; Equipped with The starting unit starts the second control unit when it is detected that the specific operator has approached the work machine, and starts the first control unit after the start of the second control unit. Work machine starting system.

2. The start-up time of the first control unit is shorter than the start-up time of the second control unit.

2. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 1.

3. an authentication unit that is provided in a cab of the work machine and that authenticates an operator present in the cab; The activation unit activates the first control unit when the specific operator is authenticated as the specific operator after detecting that the specific operator has approached the work machine.

3. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The proximity detection unit detects that the specific operator has approached the work machine by detecting a wireless signal emitted by a terminal carried by the specific operator. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The wireless signal emitted by the terminal includes an operator ID indicating an operator, The proximity detection unit determines whether or not a person approaching the work machine is the specific operator based on the operator ID included in the wireless signal.

5. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 4.

6. The wireless signal emitted by the terminal includes a machine ID indicating the work machine to be started, The proximity detection unit determines whether to activate the second control unit based on the machine ID included in the wireless signal. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 4 or 5.

7. Detecting that a specific operator has approached the work machine; starting up at least a part of a control unit that controls the work machine when it is detected that the specific operator has approached the work machine; Equipped with The control unit is a first control unit that outputs a control signal for driving the vehicle body using power supplied by the power source; A second control unit that controls communication between devices that constitute the control unit; Equipped with In the starting step, the second control unit is started when it is detected that the specific operator has approached the work machine, and the first control unit is started after the start of the second control unit. How to start a work machine.

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