Working machine

Abstract

To provide a work machine that can present information indicating the current function assignment without misidentifying the assigned function and without reducing visibility of other display information during work, for example, in a work machine equipped with an input device to which a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned.SOLUTION: In a work machine comprising an input device to which any one of a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned, and a display device that displays either a first display screen including current function assignment information of the input device or a second display screen not including the current function assignment information of the input device, a control device executes processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated while the first display screen is displayed on the display device, and controls the display screen of the display device to switch from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated while the second display screen is displayed on the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine including an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned.

Background Art

[0002] In a working machine such as a hydraulic excavator, a plurality of input devices for changing various settings of the working machine, such as engine speed and working mode, are provided around the driver's seat. In recent years, with the increasing multifunctionality of working machines, the number of these input devices has tended to increase.

[0003] When the number of input devices increases, the number of parts increases, which is a factor leading to an increase in manufacturing costs. In addition, since the operator has to search for the input device corresponding to the target function among a large number of input devices and perform an operation, the load on the operator increases, which may lead to a decrease in work efficiency.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, Patent Document 1 describes an input device that can selectively assign an engine operation function for adjusting the engine speed and a screen operation function for operating a screen displayed on a display unit. In this way, by integrating a plurality of functions into one input device, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[0005] In addition, in the input device of Patent Document 1, in response to any function being assigned, information indicating the function assignment is temporarily displayed on the display unit for a period during which the function is assigned, so that the operator can recognize the function assigned to the input device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, when information indicating function allocation is temporarily displayed in response to any function being allocated, the operator cannot confirm the function allocation at the timing of operating the input device, and there is a possibility that the operator may operate while misrecognizing the allocated function.

[0008] On the other hand, when information indicating function allocation is displayed over the period during which any function is allocated, it continuously compresses the display area of the display unit, so the visibility of other display information during work decreases, and there is a possibility that work efficiency decreases.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a working machine including an input device capable of selectively allocating a plurality of functions, which can present information indicating the current function allocation to the operator without misrecognizing the allocated function and without reducing the visibility of other display information during work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a working machine according to the present invention includes an input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, a first display screen including setting information of the functions assigned to the input device, and a second display screen not including the setting information of the functions. A display device that switches and displays the above, and when the input device receives an operation, it executes a process according to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device. In a working machine provided with a control device, when the first display screen is being displayed on the display device, when the input device receives an operation, the control device executes a process according to the function assigned to the input device, and when the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, when the input device receives an operation, without executing the process according to the function assigned to the input device, the display screen of the display device is switched from the second display screen to the first display screen. The control device determines the operable state of the work machine, and when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls the display screen of the display device to switch from the first display screen to the second display screen. It is characterized by that. Further, the working machine according to the present invention includes an input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, a display device that switches and displays a first display screen including setting information of the function assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the function, and a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device. In the working machine, when the first display screen is being displayed on the display device, the control device executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device when the input device receives an operation, and when the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, when the input device receives an operation, without executing processing according to the function assigned to the input device, the control device switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen. The control device determines an operation state of the working machine, and controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen when the working machine transitions from a non-operation state to an operation state.In addition, the working machine according to the present invention includes an input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, a display device that switches between displaying a first display screen including setting information of the function assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the function, and a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device. In the working machine, when the first display screen is being displayed on the display device, the control device, if the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device; when the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, if the input device receives an operation, without executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device, the control device switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen. The control device is characterized in that, when the input device is in a state where a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device is assigned thereto and the input device receives an operation, the control device executes screen operation processing regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to present information indicating the current function assignment to the operator without misidentifying the assigned function and without reducing the visibility of other display information during work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of an input device in a working machine using the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] An overview of a hydraulic excavator 1, which is an example of a working machine, is shown in FIG. 1. The hydraulic excavator 1 is composed of an articulated front working machine 1A including a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c that rotate vertically, respectively, and a vehicle body 1B including an upper swing body 1d and a lower traveling body 1e. The upper swing body 1d is attached to the upper part of the lower traveling body 1e so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The upper swing body 1d is provided with a driver's cab 1f.

[0015] The base end of the boom 1a of the front working machine 1A is supported by the front part of the upper swing body 1d. The boom 1a, the arm 1b, the bucket 1c, the upper swing body 1d, and the lower traveling body 1e are respectively driven by actuators such as a boom cylinder 2a, an arm cylinder 2b, a bucket cylinder 2c, a swing motor 3d, and left and right traveling motors 3e, 3f. Attitude sensors 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are attached to each joint part of the front working machine 1A and the joint part between the upper swing body 1d and the lower traveling body 1e, and the angles of the respective rotating parts can be obtained.

[0016] The upper slewing body 1d is equipped with an engine 5, a pump 6, an electronic control valve 7, etc. for operating the hydraulic excavator 1. The pump 6 is driven by the rotation of the engine 5 and discharges hydraulic oil to each actuator. The electronic control valve 7 controls the operation of each actuator by changing the flow rate and flow direction of the hydraulic oil according to the operation inputs from the operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d (see Fig. 2) provided in the operator's cab 1f. Further, cameras 8a, 8b, 8c for photographing the surroundings of the hydraulic excavator 1 are respectively installed on the right, rear, and left sides of the upper slewing body 1d. Also, the upper slewing body 1d is equipped with a control device 11 for controlling the rotational speed of the engine 5 (hereinafter referred to as the engine rotational speed), etc.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a view showing the inside of the operator's cab 1f. Electric operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are installed inside the operator's cab 1f. The operation levers 9a, 9b can be operated in four directions: forward, backward, left, and right, and correspond to the operation of the front working machine 1A and the boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, and slewing motor 3d for operating the upper slewing body 1d. The operation levers 9c, 9d can be operated in two directions: forward and backward, and correspond to the operation of the left and right travel motors 3e, 3f attached to the lower traveling body 1e. When the shut-off lever 10 provided in the operator's cab 1f is in the unlocked position, the operation amount of each operation lever is converted into a control command value for each actuator in the control device 11, and the electronic control valve 7 controls the flow rate of the discharged hydraulic oil according to this control command value. Also, a touch monitor 12 capable of confirming / changing various setting states of the hydraulic excavator 1 and displaying the camera images taken by the cameras 8a, 8b, 8c is installed at the right front of the operator's cab 1f.

[0018] In addition, an input device 13 is installed on the right side of the driver's seat in the driver's cab 1f, and various settings related to the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the input device 13. The input device 13 is composed of a jog dial 13a and four push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. The jog dial 13a is a mechanism that enables rotational operation, pressing operation, and sliding operation in the up, down, left, and right directions of the dial portion. The push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e are mechanisms that enable pressing operation of the button portion. The input device 13 is managed in a plurality of modes, and the functions assigned to each switch differ according to the selected mode.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method of transitioning to each mode. In the present embodiment, there are four modes: a work mode 401, an air conditioner mode 402, an audio mode 403, and a menu mode 404. When the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the state of the work mode 401, it transitions to the air conditioner mode 402, and conversely, when the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406, it transitions to the audio mode 403. Also, when the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406 in the state of the air conditioner mode 402, or when the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the state of the audio mode 403, it transitions to the work mode 401. Further, when a pressing operation 407 of the jog dial 13a is performed in any of the states of the work mode 401, the air conditioner mode 402, and the audio mode 403, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 transitions to a menu screen, and the input device 13 transitions to the menu mode 404 for performing screen operations.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of function assignment of the input device 13 in each mode and display of operation guides in each mode. Details of the behavior of each switch are shown below.

[0021] As shown in the upper figure of FIG. 5, in the operation mode 401 of each function, functions frequently used during the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, such as the adjustment 401A of the engine rotation speed and the wiper operation 401D, are assigned to each switch. In addition, in the air conditioner mode 402, settings related to the air conditioner are enabled, and in the audio mode 403, operations for settings related to the audio are enabled. In the menu mode 404, functions used for screen operations within the menu, such as the focus movement 404A and the transition to the previous screen 404B, are aggregated.

[0022] Also, according to the currently selected mode, the touch monitor 12 displays the operation guide shown in the lower figure of FIG. 5. By checking this operation guide, the operator can recognize the functions of each switch and perform the intended operation. Regarding the menu mode 404, since the operator can easily identify that the input device 13 has transitioned to the menu mode 404 when the display screen of the touch monitor 12 has transitioned to the menu screen, it is not necessary to display the operation guide.

[0023] Examples of function assignments to each switch of the input device 13 in each mode are described. Operation mode 401: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Engine rotation speed adjustment (401A, 401a) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog dial 13a (slide operation): Mode switching of the input device 13 Push button 13b: Switch the upper limit value of the traveling speed of the lower traveling body 1e (401B, 401b) Push button 13c: Switch the upper limit value of the engine rotation speed (401C, 401c) Push button 13d: Switch the operation cycle of the wiper (401D, 401d) Push button 13e: Eject washer fluid (401E, 401e) Air conditioner mode 402: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Air volume adjustment (402A, 402a) Jog Dial 13a (Press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog Dial 13a (Slide operation): Mode switching of the input device 13 Push Button 13b: ON / OFF switching of the recirculation air (402B, 402b) Push Button 13c: ON / OFF switching of the automatic air conditioner (402C, 402c) Push Button 13d: Outlet switching (402D, 402d) Push Button 13e: ON / OFF switching of the air conditioner power supply (402E, 402e) Audio mode 403: Jog Dial 13a (Rotation operation): Volume adjustment (403A, 403a) Jog Dial 13a (Press operation): Transition to the menu screen Jog Dial 13a (Slide operation): Mode switching of the input device 13 Push Button 13b: Switch to the previous channel (403B, 403b) Push Button 13c: Switch to the next channel (403C, 403c) Push Button 13d: Audio source switching (403D, 403d) Push Button 13e: ON / OFF switching of the audio power supply (403E, 403E) Menu mode 404: Jog Dial 13a (Rotation operation): Focus movement within the screen (404A) Jog Dial 13a (Press operation): Confirmation Jog Dial 13a (Slide operation): Focus movement within the screen (404A) Push Button 13b: Return to the previous screen (404B) Push Button 13c: Return to the basic screen (404C) Push Button 13d: Not assigned Push Button 13e: Not assigned

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch monitor 12. In the present embodiment, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 can be classified into three screens: a basic screen (with operation guide) 600A, a basic screen (without operation guide) 600B, and a menu screen 600C, which respectively correspond to the first display screen, the second display screen, and the second display screen of the present invention in order.

[0025] The basic screen refers to a screen displayed during the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, and a fuel gauge 606, a water temperature gauge 607, which are frequently checked during operation, an overhead view image 608 synthesized from an image taken by a camera, etc. are displayed. Further, there are a basic screen 600A on which an operation guide 609 indicating the function assignment of the input device 13 is displayed, and a basic screen 600B on which the operation guide 609 is not displayed.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 6, on the basic screen 600B where the operation guide 609 is not displayed, in addition to the overhead view image 608, a rear camera image 613 is displayed. The display area of the camera image displayed on the basic screen 600B is larger than the display area of the camera image displayed on the basic screen 600A, making it easier to check the surrounding situation. Thus, when the operation guide 609 is not displayed, it is possible to utilize that area to improve the visibility of existing display information or add display information.

[0027] As an example of a means for transitioning from the basic screen 600A on which the operation guide 609 is displayed to the basic screen 600B on which the operation guide 609 is not displayed, there is a tap operation on the operation guide non-display button 612 on the basic screen 600A. In addition, means may be provided that allows the operator to make the operation guide 609 non-displayed (transition to the basic screen 600B) at an arbitrary timing by using a swipe operation of the operation guide 609 or a setting operation within the menu screen 600C. Note that, as in the present embodiment, in conjunction with the presence or absence of the display of the operation guide 609, the presence or absence of the display of information that is infrequently checked during operation, such as the air conditioner status display 610 (on the left side of the operation guide 609) and the audio status display 611 (on the right side of the operation guide 609), may be switched.

[0028] On the other hand, on the menu screen 600C, various settings of the vehicle body can be confirmed and changed through screen operations. FIG. 6 shows an example of the top menu screen immediately after transitioning to the menu screen 600C. When performing screen operations on this screen, among the icons 614 to 621 arranged in a plurality, the focus 622 is moved to a predetermined icon, and the next-level screen can be transitioned by a determination operation by pressing the dial. In this way, within the menu screen 600C, jog dial 13a operations, push button 13b, 13c operations, etc. are performed on the screen display to confirm and change various settings.

[0029] Note that within the menu screen 600C, in addition to screen operations by the input device 13, it may also be configured to enable screen operations by touch operations. Also, in this embodiment, all the operation guides 609 within the menu screen 600C are hidden, but for example, it may also be configured to partially display only specific operation guides, such as the operation to return to the previous screen / return to the basic screen assigned to the push buttons 13b, 13c.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of this embodiment. Each input / output device is connected to the control device 11, and the control device 11 performs various controls such as input / output of information with the operator and operation commands to the vehicle body. The control device 11 is configured to include the processes of an operation availability determination unit 701, a lever operation amount determination unit 702, a control command value determination unit 703, a vehicle body setting management unit 704, a camera image acquisition unit 705, an operation information acquisition unit 706, an operation processing unit 707, a function assignment management unit 708, an operation guide display determination unit 709, and a display control unit 710. Hereinafter, the flow of processing in each processing unit will be described.

[0031] The operation availability determination unit 701 detects the position of the shut-off lever 10 and determines whether the hydraulic excavator 1 can operate. When the shut-off lever 10 is in the locked position, the operation availability determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body operation is not available, and when the shut-off lever 10 is in the unlocked position, the operation availability determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body operation is available and outputs the result.

[0032] In the lever operation amount determination unit 702, the operation amount of each operation lever is determined according to the signals from the operation levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, and the information is output. The lever operation amount is expressed, for example, with the neutral position of the operation lever being 0, the operation direction being positive or negative, and the operation amount being from 1 to 100, and the operation amount of each operation lever is determined within the range of -100 to 100.

[0033] In the control command value determination unit 703, a control command value for the electronic control valve 7 is determined based on information such as the vehicle body operation availability state and the lever operation amount. The electronic control valve 7 controls the flow rate of the working oil discharged according to this control command value to drive each actuator.

[0034] Also, the vehicle body setting management unit 704 holds setting values related to the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle body, such as the traveling mode and the working mode. In the control command value determination unit 703 described above, the control command value is determined based on these vehicle body setting information as well.

[0035] The camera image acquisition unit 705 acquires video signals from the cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c attached to the upper swing body 1d, performs correction and synthesis processing of the video as necessary, and outputs it to the display control unit 710.

[0036] The operation information acquisition unit 706 acquires the signals of the input device 13 (the jog dial 13a and the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) and converts them into operation information of each switch. The operation information includes, for example, the rotation direction and rotation amount of the jog dial 13a, and the pressed states of the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e.

[0037] In the operation processing unit 707, various processes are performed using the operation information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of the processes of the operation processing unit 707. In the operation processing unit 707, first, in step 707a, the operation information of the jog dial 13a and the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e is acquired. Next, the process proceeds to step 707b to perform a determination based on the presence or absence of an operation. If there is no operation of any switch, the process returns to step 707a to acquire the operation information again.

[0038] In step 707b, if there is an operation of the switch, the process proceeds to step 707c, and the display control unit 710 acquires information on the display screen currently being displayed on the touch monitor 12.

[0039] Next, in step 707d, branch processing according to the type of the current display screen is performed.

[0040] First, when the current display screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide, the process proceeds to step 707e, and the function assignment management unit 708 acquires the current mode of the input device 13 and the function assignment information of each switch. Note that the function assignment management unit 708 holds the function assignment information of the switch in each mode of the input device 13 and manages the currently selected mode. Next, in step 707f, a branch according to the content of the operation is performed. In step 707f, when the operation content is a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a or a pressing operation of the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, in step 707g, the operation content according to the current function assignment is determined, and a request for changing the vehicle body setting is output to the vehicle body setting management unit 704.

[0041] In step 707f, when the operation content is a pressing operation of the jog dial 13a, the process proceeds to step 707h, and a request for transition to the menu screen 600C is output to the display control unit 710. Note that the process of transitioning to the menu screen 600C is a common function in the work mode 401, the air conditioner mode 402, and the audio mode 403, and thus the process is executed without depending on the current function assignment.

[0042] Also, in step 707f, when the operation content is a slide operation of the jog dial 13a, the process proceeds to step 707i, and the mode after the change is determined according to the current mode and the slide operation direction, and a mode change request (function assignment change request) is output to the function assignment management unit 708. Note that the correspondence between the slide operation direction and each mode is as shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] In step 707d, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 707j. If the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the basic screen, it is highly likely that the operator does not recognize the functions of each switch. Therefore, in step 707j, the process of the operation processing unit 707 is terminated without executing the processing corresponding to each switch operation (the processing according to the current function assignment of each switch). At this time, in the operation guide display determination unit 709 described later, an instruction is output to the display control unit 710 to display the operation guide 609 on the basic screen, and a process of switching the display screen to the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 is executed. After the display screen is switched from the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609, by operating the input device 13 again, the process proceeds from step 707d to step 707e, and it becomes possible to execute the processing according to the current function assignment of the input device 13.

[0044] Note that for functions common to each mode, such as the process of transitioning to the menu screen 600C in step 707h, since it is less likely that the operator misrecognizes the function assignment, it may also be configured to be able to execute the process on the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609.

[0045] Finally, in step 707d, if the current display screen is the menu screen 600C, the operator can easily infer that the input device 13 can be used for screen operations even without the operation guide 609. Therefore, the process proceeds in the order of steps 707k and 707l, and screen operation processing corresponding to the operation content of the input device 13, such as focus movement and determination, is executed. In other words, when a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the touch monitor 12 is assigned to the input device 13, regardless of whether the display screen of the touch monitor 12 is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 or the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609, screen operation processing corresponding to the current function assignment of the input device 13 is executed for the operation of the input device 13.

[0046] Note that the processing for the operations of each switch described here is just an example. For example, the mode of the input device 13 may be changed by a vertical slide operation of the jog dial 13a, or the menu screen 600C may be transitioned to by the push button 13b. The assignment of functions to each operation may be freely set.

[0047] Next, the processing of the operation guide display determination unit 709 will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the flow of processing in the operation guide display determination unit 709.

[0048] First, in step 709a, the current display screen information is acquired from the display control unit 710. Next, in step 709b, branch processing according to the current display screen is performed.

[0049] In step 709b, when the current display screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709c, and the operation information of the input device 13 is acquired from the operation information acquisition unit 706. Thereafter, in step 709d, branch processing according to the presence or absence of an operation is performed. First, in step 709d, when no operation of the input device 13 is performed, the process proceeds to step 709e, and the display control unit 710 is continuously instructed to not display the operation guide 609.

[0050] On the other hand, in step 709d, when an operation of the input device 13 is performed, the process proceeds to step 709f, and an instruction to display the operation guide 609 is given to the display control unit 710. In this way, when the operation guide 609 is not being displayed, processing is performed so that the operation guide 609 is displayed in response to any operation of the input device 13 (in other words, when any operation of the input device 13 occurs, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 is switched from the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609). As a result, when the operator attempts to operate the input device 13, the operator can confirm the function assignment of each switch without the need for any other special operations. Also, when the operation guide 609 is not being displayed, in step 707j, the operation processing unit 707 does not execute the processing based on the operation of the input device 13 (processing according to the current function assignment of the input device 13). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from making an incorrect vehicle body setting while mistakenly recognizing the function assigned to the input device 13.

[0051] Note that for functions common to each mode, such as the operation to transition to the menu screen 600C, since the possibility that the operator misrecognizes the function assignment is low, even when an operation of the input device 13 occurs in step 709d, the specification may be such that the operation guide 609 remains hidden.

[0052] In step 709f, after giving an instruction to display the operation guide 609 to the display control unit 710, the process proceeds to step 709g, and a process of resetting the timer of the timer management unit 709h is performed. The timer management unit 709h counts the time during which the operation guide 609 is displayed and the input device 13 remains in a non-operated state. Therefore, a process of resetting the timer is carried out at the timing when the operation guide 609 switches from non-display to display, or at the timing when an operation of the input device 13 is input.

[0053] In step 709b, if the current display screen is the menu screen 600C, as described above, since the operator can easily infer that the input device 13 can be used for screen operations even without the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709e, where an instruction is given to hide the operation guide 609.

[0054] In step 709b, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709i in FIG. 10. In step 709i, the operation information of the input device 13 is acquired from the operation information acquisition unit 706. Further, in step 709j, branch processing according to the presence or absence of an operation is performed. In step 709j, if there is an operation on the input device 13, the process proceeds to steps 709f and 709g in FIG. 9, where an instruction to continuously display the operation guide 609 and a process to reset the timer of the timer management unit 709h are executed.

[0055] In step 709j, if there is no operation on the input device 13, the process proceeds to step 709k to acquire the touch operation information of the touch monitor 12. Then, in step 709l, it is determined whether or not a non-display operation of the operation guide 609, that is, a tap operation on the operation guide non-display button 612 of the basic screen 600A has been performed. If a tap operation on the operation guide non-display button 612 of the basic screen 600A has been performed, since it indicates that the operator has determined that the operation guide 609 is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step 709m to output an instruction to make the operation guide 609 non-display.

[0056] In step 709l, if the non-display operation of the operation guide 609 is not performed, in step 709n, it is determined whether the timer of the timer management unit 709h has reached a predetermined time or more. In step 709n, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 709m, and an instruction to make the operation guide 609 non-display is output. When the operation guide 609 is displayed and the operation of the input device 13 has not been performed for a predetermined time or more (when the state where the input device 13 is not operated has elapsed for a certain time), the operator can determine that there is no intention to operate the input device 13. In such a case, by performing the process of automatically making the operation guide 609 non-display (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609), the operator does not need to operate the operation guide non-display button 612 on the basic screen 600A, so it is possible to perform work efficiently.

[0057] In step 709n, if the timer of the timer management unit 709h has not reached a predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to step 709o, the operation availability state of the vehicle body is acquired and stored in the vehicle body operation availability state storage unit 709p. The vehicle body operation availability state storage unit 709p holds the current operation availability state and the operation availability state at the time of the previous processing cycle. In step 709q, by comparing each state, it is determined whether the vehicle body has transitioned from the inoperable state to the operable state. In step 709q, if the vehicle body has transitioned from the inoperable state to the operable state, in step 709m, an instruction to make the operation guide 609 non-display is output. At this time, since it can be determined that the operator has set the shut-off lever 10 to the unlocked position and indicated an intention to start the operation of the hydraulic excavator 1, by performing the process of automatically making the operation guide 609 non-display (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609), the operator does not need to operate the operation guide non-display button 612 on the basic screen 600A, so it is possible to perform work more efficiently.

[0058] In step 709q, if there is no change in the operability state of the vehicle body, the process proceeds to step 709r to obtain the operation state of the operation lever. In step 709r, step 709t, and the lever operation state storage unit 709s, in the same manner as the above processing, it is determined whether the operation lever has transitioned from the non-operation state to the operation state. If the operation lever has transitioned from the non-operation state to the operation state, in step 709m, an instruction to make the operation guide 609 non-displayed is output. On the other hand, in step 709t, if there is no change in the lever operation state, the process proceeds to step 709u, and an instruction to continuously display the operation guide 609 is output.

[0059] In this embodiment, a process of making the operation guide 609 non-displayed is described based on the operability state of the vehicle body and the lever operation state. Conversely, when the vehicle body transitions to the inoperable state or when a certain period of time has elapsed after the operation lever transitions to the non-operation state, that is, when the situation is such that the operator is highly likely to operate the input device 13, it may be a process of displaying the operation guide 609. By adding such a process, the operator does not need to operate the input device 13 once to display the operation guide 609, so it becomes possible to perform the setting operation by the input device 13 more efficiently.

[0060] The display control unit 710 generates a display screen based on various vehicle body settings, function assignments of the input device 13, and information such as display instructions for the operation guide 609, and outputs it to the touch monitor 12.

[0061] In this way, in this embodiment, based on the operation state of the input device 13 and various vehicle body states, it is determined whether the operator needs the operation guide 609, and the operation guide 609 is displayed on the touch monitor 12 as necessary.

[0062] Also, when the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the touch monitor 12, since the processing by operating the input device 13 is not performed, it is possible to present the function allocation information of the input device 13 to the operator without mistakenly operating the assigned function and without reducing the visibility of other display information during work.

[0063] [Summary] As described above, the working machine (hydraulic excavator 1) of the present embodiment includes an input device 13 (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) capable of selectively allocating a plurality of predetermined functions (including a function of adjusting the rotational speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the working machine), a display device (touch monitor 12) that switches between displaying a first display screen including the setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13 and a second display screen not including the setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13, an operation information acquisition unit 706 that acquires the operation information of the input device 13, a function allocation management unit 708 that manages the function allocation of the input device 13, an operation processing unit 707 that executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13 when the input device 13 receives an operation, and a display control unit 710 that controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device. In the working machine provided with the control device 11, when the first display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12), when the input device 13 receives an operation, the control device 11 executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12), when the input device 13 receives an operation, the control device 11 controls to switch the display screen of the display device (touch monitor 12) from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing the processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13.

[0064] Further, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) has a switching unit that selectively switches (by operator operation) the display screen of the display device between the first display screen and the second display screen.

[0065] Also, when a state where the input device 13 is not being operated has elapsed for a certain period of time, the control device 11 controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0066] Also, the control device 11 determines the operable state of the work machine (operation availability determination unit 701), and when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0067] Also, the control device 11 determines the operation state of the work machine (lever operation amount determination unit 702), and when the work machine transitions from a non-operated state to an operated state, controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen.

[0068] Further, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) includes cameras 8a, 8b, 8c for photographing the surroundings of the work machine, and camera images photographed by the cameras 8a, 8b, 8c are displayed on the first display screen and the second display screen, and the display area of the camera image displayed on the second display screen is larger than the display area of the camera image displayed on the first display screen.

[0069] Further, the input device 13 is composed of a plurality of operation units (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) to which the predetermined functions can be respectively assigned. When the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, if a specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units receives an operation, the control device 11 switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen. The first display screen includes the setting information of the function assigned to the specific operation unit and the setting information of the functions assigned to the operation units different from the specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units.

[0070] Further, when the input device 13 receives an operation in a state where the control device 11 has assigned a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device to the input device 13, regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen, the control device 11 executes screen operation processing corresponding to the current function assignment of the input device 13 for the operation of the input device 13.

[0071] Further, the input device 13 receives an operation for switching the function assigned to the input device 13 and an operation for executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device 13.

[0072] Further, the plurality of predetermined functions include a function of adjusting the rotational speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the work machine, a function of adjusting the volume of the audio in the cab of the work machine, and a function of adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner in the cab of the work machine.

[0073] The input device 13 according to this embodiment has a first display screen including the current function allocation information (operation guide 609) of the input device 13 and a second display screen not including the current function allocation information (operation guide 609) of the input device 13. While the second display screen is being displayed, regardless of the current function allocation, a process of transitioning to the first display screen is executed in response to an operation of the input device 13. By executing such a process, the operator can perform various setting operations after checking the first display screen including the current function allocation information, so that the operation can be performed without misidentifying the currently assigned function. Also, until the operator operates the input device 13, the second display screen not including the function allocation information is displayed, so that the work can be performed without impairing the visibility of other display information.

[0074] Further, by providing means (switching unit) for selectively transitioning from the first display screen to the second display screen, the second display screen can be displayed at an arbitrary timing when the operator no longer needs the current function allocation information, improving the visibility of display information with high priority during work and enabling efficient work.

[0075] Also, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the input device 13 has not been operated, by controlling to display the second display screen, when it is determined that the operator has finished operating the input device 13 and the current function allocation information is no longer needed, the second display screen is automatically displayed, so that the operator can save the trouble of switching to the second display screen and improve the work efficiency.

[0076] Also, by determining the operation state of the work machine and controlling to display the second display screen when the work machine transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state, when the operator starts operating the work machine, that is, when transitioning to a situation where the possibility of operating the input device 13 is low, the second display screen is automatically displayed, and by improving the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information, efficient work can be performed.

[0077] Also, by determining the operable state of the machine tool and controlling to display the second display screen when the machine tool transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, when the operator is about to start operating the machine tool, that is, when transitioning to a situation where the possibility of operating the input device 13 is low, the second display screen is automatically displayed, and by improving the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information, it is possible to perform work efficiently.

[0078] Also, by making the display area of the camera image displayed on the second display screen larger than the display area of the camera image displayed on the first display screen, in the second display screen that does not include the current function allocation information, the situation around the machine tool can be more easily visually recognized, so it is possible to perform work efficiently.

[0079] Also, when the input device 13 is composed of a plurality of operation parts (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e), by controlling to display the first display screen including the function allocation information of the operation part different from the operated operation part when there is an operation on any one of the operation parts, it is not necessary to switch the function allocation information for each operation of each operation part. Therefore, when continuously operating a plurality of operation parts, the number of operations of the input device 13 can be reduced, and it is possible to efficiently operate the input device.

[0080] Also, when a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12) is assigned to the input device 13, even if the function allocation information is not directly displayed, the operator can infer from the display content of the display screen that the current function assignment is the screen operation function. Therefore, when the screen operation function is assigned to the input device 13, by enabling the screen operation process to be performed regardless of the presence or absence of the display of the function allocation information, it is possible to efficiently perform the screen operation.

[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present information indicating the current function allocation to the operator without misidentifying the allocated function and without degrading the visibility of other display information during operation.

[0082] Although the present embodiment has described the operation using the present invention by taking a hydraulic excavator as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously modified. For example, the present invention is not limited to those having all the configurations described in the above embodiment, and those in which a part of the configuration is deleted are also included.

[0083] In addition, each configuration related to the control device 11, the functions of each configuration, the execution processing, etc. may be realized by hardware (for example, designing the logic for executing each function with an integrated circuit, etc.). Further, the configuration related to the control device 11 may be a program (software) in which each function related to the configuration of the control device is realized by being read and executed by an arithmetic processing device (for example, a CPU). Information related to the program can be stored, for example, in a semiconductor memory (flash memory, SSD, etc.), a magnetic storage device (hard disk drive, etc.), and a recording medium (magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.).

[0084] In addition, in the description of the above embodiment, the control lines and information lines are shown as those considered necessary for the description of the embodiment, but do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines related to the product. In reality, it can be considered that almost all the configurations are interconnected.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Hydraulic excavator (working machine) 1A Front working device 1B Vehicle body 1a Boom 1b Arm 1c Bucket 1d Upper slewing body 1e Lower traveling body 1f Cab 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d Attitude sensor 5 Engine (prime mover) 6 Pump 7 Electronic control valve 8a, 8b, 8c Camera 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d Operation lever (operating device) 10 Shut-off lever 11 Control device 12 Touch monitor (display device) 13 Input device 13a Jog dial 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e Push button 401 Working mode 402 Air conditioner mode 403 Audio mode 404 Menu mode 600A Basic screen (with operation guide) (first display screen) 600B Basic screen (without operation guide) (second display screen) 600C Menu screen (second display screen) 609 Operation guide 701 Operation availability determination unit 702 Lever operation amount determination unit 703 Control command value determination unit 704 Vehicle body setting management unit 705 Camera image acquisition unit 706 Operation information acquisition unit 707 Operation processing unit 708 Function assignment management unit 709 Operation guide display determination unit 710 Display control unit

Claims

1. An input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, A display device that alternately displays a first display screen including setting information of the functions assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the functions, In a working machine including a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device, The control device, When the first display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device, When the second display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, without executing processing according to the function assigned to the input device, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen, The control device, Determines the operable state of the working machine, and when the working machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen. A working machine characterized by this.

2. An input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, A display device that alternately displays a first display screen including setting information of the functions assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the functions, In a working machine including a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device, The control device, When the first display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, executes processing according to the function assigned to the input device, When the second display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, without executing processing according to the function assigned to the input device, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen, The control device, Determines the operating state of the working machine, and when the working machine transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state, controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen. A working machine characterized by this.

3. An input device capable of selectively assigning a plurality of predetermined functions, A display device that alternately displays a first display screen including setting information of the functions assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including the setting information of the functions, In a working machine comprising: a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device and controls the display screen to be displayed on the display device. The control device is When the first display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device. When the second display screen is being displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, without executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device, switch the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen. The control device is In a state where the input device is assigned a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device, when the input device receives an operation, regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen, execute screen operation processing. A working machine characterized by this.

4. In the working machine according to claim 1, The plurality of predetermined functions assignable to the input device include a function of adjusting the rotational speed of a prime mover that drives the working machine. A working machine characterized by this.

5. In the working machine according to claim 1, A working machine characterized by having a switching unit that selectively switches the display screen of the display device between the first display screen and the second display screen.

6. In the working machine according to claim 1, The control device controls to switch the display screen of the display device from the first display screen to the second display screen when a state where the input device is not being operated has elapsed for a certain period of time. A working machine characterized by this.

7. In the working machine according to claim 1, Equipped with a camera for photographing the surroundings of the working machine, The first display screen and the second display screen display camera images taken by the camera, A working machine characterized in that the display area of the camera image displayed on the second display screen is larger than the display area of the camera image displayed on the first display screen.

8. In the working machine according to claim 1, the input device is composed of a plurality of operation units each capable of assigning the predetermined functions, when the second display screen is being displayed on the display device, the control device switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen when any specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units receives an operation, the first display screen includes setting information of functions assigned to operation units different from the specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units together with setting information of the function assigned to the specific operation unit. A working machine characterized by this.

9. In the working machine according to claim 4, the input device receives an operation for switching a function assigned to the input device and an operation for executing processing according to the function assigned to the input device. A working machine characterized by this.

10. In the working machine according to claim 4, the plurality of predetermined functions include a function of adjusting the rotational speed of a prime mover that drives the working machine, a function of adjusting the volume of audio in the cab of the working machine, and a function of adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner in the cab of the working machine. A working machine characterized by this.

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