Information input system for industrial machinery

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an information input system for a work machine, the information input system being capable of carrying out various settings of the work machine by using an information terminal while preventing erroneous operations of the work machine. For this purpose, provided is an information input system for a work machine, said information input system comprising a control device mounted on a work machine and an information terminal for inputting information to the control device via communication, wherein the input of information to the control device from the information terminal is invalidated when the information terminal is located at a prescribed position in a driver's cab of the work machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information input system for a work machine that inputs information to a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the electrification and informatization of work machines such as hydraulic excavators have been progressing, and the functions have been increasing with the increase in the number of electronic devices mounted.

[0003] For example, there is a function called machine guidance (MG) that calculates the position and orientation of a work machine and a work device from information acquired by various sensors attached to the work machine and the work device of the work machine, and notifies an operator of the positional relationship with the target surface during construction to assist the work.

[0004] Also, from the information on the position and orientation of the work machine and the work device and the information on the preset work area, the degree to which the work machine and the work device are approaching the boundary of the work area is calculated, and according to the degree of approach, notification to the operator and operation restriction of the work machine or the work device are applied, so there is also a function called area restriction that assists working within the work area.

[0005] Furthermore, there are also functions such as notifying an operator of the situation around the work machine using image information or the like based on information acquired from sensors such as a camera mounted on the work machine, and detecting surrounding workers and notifying the detected information.

[0006] In order to use such various functions, a device for inputting information for setting each function etc. is required for the control device mounted on the work machine. Recently, various information devices such as touch panel monitors have come to be utilized as information input devices for work machines.

[0007] As functionality increases, so does the variety of these information input devices, making it crucial to avoid accidental operation during use. In particular, devices that allow operation input simply by touching them, such as touch panels, are prone to accidental operation if touched while operating actuator levers or other controls, depending on their mounting location.

[0008] In the input control method for a touch panel monitor for a work machine described in Patent Document 1, the monitor input is locked by releasing the hydraulic lock state using a hydraulic lock switch, thereby disabling input operations on the touch panel. The monitor input lock state is released by a monitor input lock release operation, and the system is controlled to switch to the input operation screen display. With this input control method, when the work machine is operational, the operation input to the touch panel monitor is locked, thus preventing accidental operation during the operation of the work machine. Furthermore, since the monitor input lock state can be released by a monitor input lock release operation, operation input is possible even when it is necessary to temporarily operate the touch panel during work. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-202841 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In the input control method for a touch panel monitor for a work machine described in Patent Document 1, when the hydraulic lock switch is in the unlocked state, the system controls the monitor input to a locked state, which locks the input to the touch panel monitor, thereby preventing accidental operation caused by touching the touch panel monitor during operation of the work machine.

[0011] However, in recent years, various information input devices, including touch panel monitors, are not only installed in the operator's cab of the work machine, but are also sometimes carried into the cab and used as touch panel monitors by operators, for example, their own tablet devices. Furthermore, another worker may use the same tablet device as the operator to check the status of the work machine and make various settings from around the machine.

[0012] If the input control method of Patent Document 1 is applied to a tablet terminal that can be used around the work machine, the input of the tablet terminal held by a worker around the work machine will be locked according to the state of the hydraulic lock switch, making it impossible to set various settings of the work machine using the tablet terminal from around the work machine, thus reducing work efficiency. On the other hand, if the input control method of Patent Document 1 is not applied to the tablet terminal, there is a concern that the operator in the cab may accidentally touch the operating lever while using the tablet terminal, leading to misoperation.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an information input system for work machines that prevents erroneous operation of the work machine while enabling various settings of the work machine to be made using an information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, the present invention It operates via input from control levers located in the driver's cab. A control device mounted on a work machine, and the control device via communication Different from the aforementioned operating lever An information input system for a work machine, comprising an information terminal for inputting information, wherein the work machine Input from the aforementioned operating lever When the information terminal is in a predetermined position inside the operator's cab of the work machine, the work machine The aforementioned operating lever - Input from The system shall remain operational while disabling the input of information from the information terminal to the control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform various settings of the work machine using the information terminal while preventing incorrect operation of the work machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Right side view of the hydraulic excavator in the first embodiment [Figure 2] Interior view of the cab in the first embodiment [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of the information input system for the work machine in the first embodiment [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the information input system for the work machine in the first embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the processing of the information input system for the work machine in the first embodiment [Figure 6] Functional block diagram of the information input system for the work machine in the second embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing of the information input system for the work machine in the second embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of the monitor display in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device in the third embodiment [Figure 10] Diagram showing an example of the monitor display in the third embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device in the fourth embodiment [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of the monitor display in the fourth embodiment [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the processing of the work machine control device in the fifth embodiment [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device in the fifth embodiment [Figure 15] Diagram showing an example of the monitor display in the fifth embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device in the sixth embodiment [Figure 17] Figure showing an example of display on a monitor in the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Although this embodiment applies the present invention to a hydraulic excavator, the application of the present invention is not limited to hydraulic excavators and can be applied to other work machines as well. [Examples]

[0018] Figure 1 is a right side view of a hydraulic excavator in the first embodiment. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a multi-jointed front work equipment 1A consisting of a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c that rotate vertically, and a vehicle body 1B consisting of an upper slewing body 1d and a lower traveling body 1e. A driver's cab 1f is provided in the upper slewing body 1d.

[0019] The base end of the boom 1a of the front work implement 1A is supported at the front of the upper slewing body 1d. The boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, upper slewing body 1d, and lower travel body 1e are driven by the boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, slewing motor 3d, and left and right travel motors 3e and 3f actuators, respectively.

[0020] The upper rotating body 1d is equipped with an engine 4, a pump 5, and valves 6 for operating the hydraulic excavator 1. The pump 5 is driven by the rotation of the engine 4 and discharges hydraulic fluid. The valves 6 control the flow rate of hydraulic fluid based on inputs from operating levers 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d located in the operator's cab 1f, and operate each actuator.

[0021] Angle sensors 8a, 8b, and 8c are attached to the boom 1a, arm 1b, and bucket 1c to detect the rotation angle of each part. GNSS antennas 9a and 9b for acquiring the position of the hydraulic excavator 1 and cameras 10a, 10b, and 10c for photographing the area around the hydraulic excavator 1 are attached to the left, rear, and right sides of the upper slewing body 1d.

[0022] Figure 2 is an interior view of the driver's cab 1f. The driver's cab 1f is equipped with operating levers 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, a cockpit seat 7e where the operator sits, a shut-off lever 18 that blocks input from the operating levers 7a to 7d, a speaker 11 that outputs information to the operator by sound, and a monitor 12 that serves as a display device for showing information to the operator. In this embodiment, the speaker 11 is built into the monitor 12, but the installation location of the speaker 11 is not limited to this, as long as it can transmit sound to the operator. In addition, the monitor 12 in this embodiment is equipped with a touch panel 15. An information terminal 100 is mounted on top of the monitor 12. The information terminal 100 receives power from the vehicle body 1B via an information terminal dock 17.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information input system for a work machine in the first embodiment. The information input system 300 for a work machine comprises a control device 200 mounted on the hydraulic excavator 1 and an information terminal 100 that can input information to the control device 200 via communication.

[0024] The control device 200 of the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a main C / U 50 ("C / U" stands for controller unit, the same applies hereinafter), a GNSS_C / U 40 that processes information from GNSS antennas 9a and 9b, and a notification C / U 60 that controls various notifications to the operator. The main C / U 50 controls the basic systems of the hydraulic excavator 1, such as engine control and pump control, and also controls the electrical startup of the hydraulic excavator 1 and the starting of the prime mover, engine 4. The main C / U 50 is also connected to the communication device 16 and communicates with various terminals and servers outside the hydraulic excavator. The notification C / U 60 calculates display information for the monitor 12 and sound information from the speaker 11 based on the processing status of the main C / U 50 and sends signals. Furthermore, it sends various setting signals to the main C / U 50 in accordance with input from the touch panel 15.

[0025] Furthermore, the information terminal control device 110 in this embodiment consists of an information terminal C / U 190. The information terminal C / U 190 is connected to a communication device 103 and a monitor 101, and the monitor 101 is equipped with a touch panel 102. The information terminal C / U 190 displays information to the user and receives information from the user through the monitor 101 and the touch panel 102, and exchanges necessary information with the server or hydraulic excavator 1, etc., through the communication device 103 in connection with settings made by the user to the information terminal C / U 190.

[0026] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the information input system 300 for a work machine in the first embodiment. The information terminal 100 includes an information terminal input device 130 and an information terminal control device 110. The information terminal control device 110 includes an information terminal communication unit 120 and communicates with the hydraulic excavator 1 based on the input information from the information terminal input device 130. The hydraulic excavator 1 includes an information terminal position acquisition device 19, an operation lock device 20, and a work machine control device 90. The work machine control device 90 includes a work machine communication unit 91, an information setting unit 92, an information input restriction determination unit 93, a restriction area storage unit 94, and an operation lock state determination unit 95, and exchanges various information with the information terminal 100 through the work machine communication unit 91.

[0027] The following describes each functional block. The information terminal input device 130 is a device installed in the information terminal 100 that receives input from the user. In this embodiment, it refers to the touch panel 102, but any device that allows user input is acceptable, such as a push-button switch, a seesaw-type switch, or a voice input device.

[0028] The information terminal communication unit 120 of the information terminal control device 110 exchanges information with the work machine communication unit 91 in accordance with the input from the information terminal input device 130. In this embodiment, communication with the hydraulic excavator 1 is established by the communication device 103 and the information terminal C / U 190. Any communication method is possible as long as the necessary information is exchanged at the necessary frequency.

[0029] The information terminal location acquisition device 19 is a device for acquiring location information of an information terminal. In this embodiment, the information terminal dock 17 corresponds to the information terminal location acquisition device 19. Since the information terminal dock 17 is a dock that can supply power to the information terminal 100, the location information of the information terminal 100 (whether or not the information terminal 100 is located at the location of the information terminal dock 17) can be acquired by determining whether or not the information terminal 100 is connected to the information terminal dock 17 based on the power supply status. Note that the information terminal location acquisition device 19 is not limited to the information terminal dock 17 as long as the location information of the information terminal 100 can be acquired. The location information of the information terminal 100 may be acquired, for example, by various wireless communications, sensing by sensors attached to the information terminal 100, GNSS, etc. Alternatively, it may be acquired by estimating the distance to the information terminal 100 using the radio wave strength of wireless communication.

[0030] The operation lock device 20 is a device that disables the operation of various actuators of the hydraulic excavator 1. In this embodiment, the shut-off lever 18 corresponds to the operation lock device 20, and depending on the position of the lever, it disables the operation of the various actuators by blocking the operation input signals from the operation levers 7a to 7d.

[0031] The work machine communication unit 91 is the part of the hydraulic excavator 1 that communicates with the information terminal communication unit 120. In this embodiment, the communication device 16 corresponds to the work machine communication unit 91. The work machine communication unit 91 performs various communications based on information generated by various functions within the work machine control device 90. It also transmits information from the communication destination to various functions within the work machine control device 90.

[0032] The information setting unit 92 performs various settings for the hydraulic excavator 1. In this embodiment, it performs setting changes for the hydraulic excavator 1 in response to operation input from the information terminal user obtained from the information terminal 100 via the work machine communication unit 91.

[0033] The operation lock state determination unit 95 determines the deactivation state of various actuators in response to input from the operation lock device 20. In this embodiment, the deactivation state of various actuators is determined according to the state of the shut-off lever 18, and the determined result is output.

[0034] The restricted area storage unit 94 is a storage unit that stores a restricted area that restricts operation input from the information terminal 100. In this embodiment, in order to determine whether the information terminal 100 is within the restricted area based on whether or not the information terminal 100 is connected to the information terminal dock 17, the location of the information terminal dock 17 is stored in the restricted area storage unit 94 as a location within the restricted area. It is desirable that the restricted area includes the vicinity of the various operating devices of the hydraulic excavator 1. Since the information terminal dock 17 in this embodiment is also installed on the front pillar, the location of the information terminal dock 17 is near the various operating devices.

[0035] The information input restriction determination unit 93 determines whether or not to restrict operation input from the information terminal 100 based on the location information of the information terminal 100 from the information terminal location acquisition device 19, the restricted area stored in the restricted area storage unit 94, and the determination result of the operation lock state determination unit 95.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information input system 300 for work machines in the first embodiment. The information input restriction determination unit 93 first determines whether or not there is an information terminal 100 communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1 (step S301). Whether or not the information terminal 100 is communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1 can be determined by whether or not the information terminal communication unit 120 is communicating with the information terminal communication unit 120. If the determination result of step S301 is NO (there is no information terminal 100 communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1), there is no information terminal 100 that is subject to invalidation of information input, and the flow is terminated.

[0037] If the result of step S301 is YES (there is an information terminal 100 communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1), the information input restriction determination unit 93 determines whether the location of the information terminal 100 is near the driver's seat 7e (step S302). The information input restriction determination unit 93 compares the location information of the information terminal 100 from the information terminal location acquisition device 19 with the restricted area stored in the restricted area storage unit 94 and determines whether the information terminal 100 is within the restricted area. In this embodiment, the location of the information terminal dock 17 is used as the restricted area, so if the information terminal 100 is connected to the information terminal dock 17, it is determined to be within the restricted area, and if it is not connected to the information terminal dock 17, it is determined to be not within the restricted area.

[0038] If the result of step S302 is NO, the information terminal 100 is not located near the cockpit 7e, so the information input restriction determination unit 93 enables the input of information from the information terminal 100 (step S303) and terminates the flow.

[0039] If the result of step S302 is YES, the operation lock state determination unit 95 determines whether or not the operation input from the operation levers 7a to 7d is disabled (step S304). If the result of step S304 is NO, the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an inoperable state, so the information input restriction determination unit 93 enables the input of information from the information terminal 100 (step S303) and terminates the flow.

[0040] If the result of step S304 is YES, the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an operational state and the information terminal 100 is located near the driver's seat 7e, so the information input restriction determination unit 93 disables the input of information from the information terminal 100 (step S305) and terminates the flow. Note that in step S305, only the input of information from the information terminal 100 is disabled, and the operational state of the hydraulic excavator 1 is maintained. In other words, the flow terminates Even after completion, the hydraulic excavator 1 remains operational. The fact that input operations from the information terminal 100 have been disabled is notified to the information terminal 100 via the work machine communication unit 91. Methods for disabling information input from the information terminal 100 include locking the information terminal 100 (making operation input impossible) and causing the work machine communication unit 91 to discard the input information received from the information terminal 100.

[0041] (summary) In the first embodiment, in an information input system 300 for a work machine, which includes a control device 200 mounted on a hydraulic excavator 1 (work machine) and an information terminal 100 that inputs information to the control device 200 via communication, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an operational state and the information terminal 100 is in a predetermined position (location of the information terminal dock 17) inside the operator's cab 1f of the hydraulic excavator 1, the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled while the hydraulic excavator 1 remains operational.

[0042] According to the first embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the hydraulic excavator 1 while performing various settings of the hydraulic excavator 1 using the information terminal 100.

[0043] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the information input system 300 for the work machine enables information input from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 when the information terminal 100 is located away from its predetermined position (the position of the information terminal dock 17). Note that "located away from the predetermined position" refers to the case where the information terminal is located anywhere other than its predetermined position. As a result, the information terminal 100 becomes usable even when it is located outside the operator's cab 1f of the hydraulic excavator 1, making it possible to perform various settings of the hydraulic excavator 1 using the information terminal 100 from around the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the information input system 300 for the work machine enables information input from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 even when the information terminal 100 is in a predetermined position (the position of the information terminal dock 17), if the hydraulic excavator 1 is inoperable. This makes it possible to make various settings for the hydraulic excavator 1 using the information terminal 100 even from inside the operator's cab 1f by rendering the hydraulic excavator 1 inoperable.

[0045] Furthermore, the information input system 300 for the work machine in the first embodiment disables the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 by making input operations to the information terminal 100 impossible. This makes it possible to ensure that the user is aware that the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 has been disabled. [Examples]

[0046] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the information input system 300 for a work machine in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment (shown in Figure 4) is that the information terminal 100 is equipped with an information terminal notification device 140. The information terminal notification device 140 notifies the user of information based on information from the information terminal communication unit 120. In this embodiment, the monitor 101 constitutes the information terminal notification device 140, but this is not limited to devices that can notify the user of information. For example, it could be composed of a vibration device that notifies the user by vibration or an acoustic device that notifies the user by sound.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information input system 300 for the work machine in the second embodiment. The information input restriction determination unit 93 first determines whether the information terminal 100 is communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1 (step S311). If the determination result in step S301 is NO (the information terminal 100 is not communicating with the hydraulic excavator 1), the flow is terminated.

[0048] If the result of step S311 is YES, the information input restriction determination unit 93 determines whether the location of the information terminal 100 is near the cockpit 7e (step S312). If the result of step S312 is NO (the location of the information terminal 100 is not near the cockpit 7e), the information terminal control device 110 displays on the monitor 101 that the information terminal 100 is not in an area that can be locked (step S313), and terminates the flow.

[0049] If the result of step S312 is YES (the information terminal 100 is located near the cockpit 7e), the information terminal control device 110 determines whether the information terminal 100 is locked or not (step S314). If the result of step S314 is NO (the information terminal 100 is not locked), the information terminal control device 110 displays on the monitor 101 that the information terminal 100 is unlocked (step S315) and terminates the flow.

[0050] If the result of step S314 is YES (the information terminal 100 is locked), the information terminal control device 110 displays on the monitor 101 that the information terminal 100 is locked (step S316) and terminates the flow.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an example of the display on the monitor 101 in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the display of machine guidance is shown as an example, with the aim of improving work efficiency by notifying the operator of the positional relationship between the bucket 1c of the hydraulic excavator 1 and a preset target surface on the information terminal 100.

[0052] Display example 400A is a display indicating that the information terminal 100 is not within the area where it can be locked, as shown in step S313 of Figure 7. The LCD section of the monitor 101 displays various information in three main areas. The upper header area 401 displays icons 401a representing the communication status of the GNSS antennas 9a and 9b, and the time 401b. The middle area 402 displays the positional relationship between bucket 1c and the target surface. The light bar 402a on the left side of the middle section displays the distance between bucket 1c and the target surface as a bar. Marker 402b indicates the point where the positions of the target surface and bucket 1c coincide on the light bar 402a. Directly below the light bar 402a, the distance 402c between bucket 1c and the target surface is displayed. On the right side of the middle section, a bucket drawing 402d, which simulates bucket 1c, and the target surface 402e are displayed in a way that shows the actual positional relationship of bucket 1c in the rotation plane. The footer area 403 at the bottom displays a menu icon 403a for opening the menu.

[0053] Display example 400B is a display indicating that the information terminal 100 is in an unlocked state, as shown in step S315 of Figure 7. In display example 400B, the unlock icon 403b is displayed in the footer area 403 to indicate that operation input is possible (unlocked state). Display example 400C is a display indicating that the information terminal 100 is in a locked state, as shown in step S314 of Figure 7. In display example 400C, the lock icon 403c is displayed to indicate that operation input is impossible (locked state).

[0054] (summary) In the second embodiment, the information terminal 100 has an information terminal notification device 140, which notifies at least one of the following: information on whether or not the information terminal 100 is located in a predetermined position (the position of the information terminal dock 17), and information on whether or not the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled.

[0055] According to the second embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled, and whether or not the information terminal 100 is located in a position where the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 can be disabled. [Examples]

[0056] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device 110 in the third embodiment. First, the information terminal control device 110 determines whether or not the information terminal 100 is in a locked state (step S321). If the result of the determination in step S321 is NO (the information terminal 100 is in an unlocked state), the flow is terminated.

[0057] If the result of step S321 is YES (information terminal 100 is locked), it is determined whether or not there is input to the information terminal input device 130 (step S322). If the result of step S322 is NO (there is no input to the information terminal input device 130), the monitor 101 displays a notification that it is locked (step S323), and the flow ends.

[0058] If the result of step S322 is YES (there is input to the information terminal input device 130), the monitor 101 displays a notification emphasizing the locked state (step S324), and the flow is terminated.

[0059] Figure 10 shows an example of the display of the monitor 101 in the third embodiment. Display example 400C is the display when the locked state is notified, as in step S323 of Figure 9. In display example 400C, the locked state is notified by displaying the lock icon 403c. Display example 400D is the display when the locked state is notified with emphasis, as in step S324 of Figure 9. In display example 400D, the locked state is notified with emphasis by displaying an emphasized lock icon 403d in a more conspicuous color than the lock icon 403c. In this embodiment, the color of the icon was changed as a means of emphasis, but this is not limited to cases where emphasis is performed with ergonomics in mind.

[0060] (summary) In the third embodiment, the information terminal 100 has an information terminal notification device 140, and when an input operation is performed on the information terminal 100 while the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled (locked state), the information terminal notification device 140 (monitor 101) notifies information (lock icon 403c) indicating that the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled, in a manner that is more emphasized than when no input operation is performed on the information terminal 100.

[0061] According to this embodiment configured as described above, when the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled, and the user unknowingly performs an input operation on the information terminal 100, the fact that the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled is notified in an emphatic manner, thereby ensuring that the user is reliably aware that the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled. [Examples]

[0062] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device 110 in the fourth embodiment. The difference from the third embodiment (shown in Figure 9) is that step S324A is executed instead of step S324. In step S324A, the monitor 101 displays a notification of how to release the locked state.

[0063] Figure 12 shows an example of the display on the monitor 101 in the fourth embodiment. Display example 400C is the display when the information terminal 100 is indicating a locked state, as shown in step S323 of Figure 11. Display example 400E is the display when the information terminal 100 is locked and there is input to the information terminal input device 130, as shown in step S325 of Figure 11. In display example 400F, the method for releasing the locked state 403e is displayed in the lower part of the monitor 101 to indicate how to release the locked state.

[0064] (summary) In the fourth embodiment, the information terminal 100 has an information terminal notification device 140, and the information terminal notification device 140 (monitor 101) notifies information (lock state release method 403e) indicating a method for enabling information input from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 when an input operation is performed on the information terminal 100 while information input from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled.

[0065] According to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the method for enabling information input from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 can be easily understood by the user, thereby improving work efficiency. [Examples]

[0066] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the work machine control device 90 in the fifth embodiment. First, the work machine control device 90 determines whether or not the information terminal 100 is in a locked state (step S331). If the result of the determination in step S331 is NO (the information terminal 100 is in an unlocked state), the flow is terminated.

[0067] If the result of step S331 is YES (information terminal 100 is locked), it is determined whether or not a specific operation pattern has been input to the information terminal input device 130 (step S332). The specific operation pattern here refers to a predetermined pattern of operation input, and in this embodiment, the input method to the touch panel 102 is, for example, swipe, double tap, etc., but is not limited to these. If the result of step S332 is NO (no specific operation pattern input), the flow is terminated.

[0068] If the result of step S332 is YES (a specific operation pattern has been entered), the information terminal 100 is set to a partially unlocked state, partially releasing the invalidation of information input (step S333), and the flow is terminated.

[0069] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device 110 in the fifth embodiment. First, the information terminal control device 110 determines whether or not there is input to the information terminal input device 130 (step S341). If the result of the determination in step S341 is NO (there was no input to the information terminal input device 130), the flow is terminated.

[0070] If the result of step S341 is YES (input has been received in the information terminal input device 130), it is determined whether the information terminal 100 is locked or not (step S342). If the result of step S342 is YES (the information terminal 100 is locked), all menu items are not displayed on the monitor 101 (step S343), and the flow is terminated.

[0071] If the result of step S342 is NO (information terminal 100 is not locked), it is determined whether or not information terminal 100 is partially unlocked (step S344). If the result of step S344 is YES (information terminal 100 is partially unlocked), some menus are displayed on monitor 101 (step S345), and the flow is terminated. If the result of step S344 is NO (information terminal 100 is not partially unlocked, i.e., information terminal 100 is unlocked), all menus are displayed on monitor 101 (step S346), and the flow is terminated.

[0072] Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the monitor 101 in the fifth embodiment. Display example 400F is the menu display when the information terminal 100 is in an unlocked state, as shown in step S346 of Figure 14. Menu 404 consists of a menu title 404a and menu items 404b, 404c, and 404d. In display example 400F, all menu items 404b to 404d are displayed. Display example 400G is the menu display when the information terminal 100 is in a partially unlocked state, as shown in step S345 of Figure 14. In display example 400G, only menu item 404b is displayed.

[0073] (summary) In the fifth embodiment, the information input system 300 for the work machine enables a portion of the input operations to the information terminal 100 when a specific operation is performed on the information terminal 100 while the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled.

[0074] According to the fifth embodiment configured as described above, even when input operations to the information terminal 100 are disabled, some input operations can be exceptionally enabled, thereby improving work efficiency. [Examples]

[0075] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the information terminal control device 110 in the sixth embodiment. First, the information terminal control device 110 determines whether or not the information terminal 100 is in a locked state (step S351). If the result of the determination in step S351 is NO (the information terminal 100 is in an unlocked state), the flow is terminated.

[0076] If the result of step S351 is YES (information terminal 100 is locked), it is determined whether the position of information terminal 100 has changed (step S352). If the result of step S352 is NO (the position of information terminal 100 has not changed), the flow is terminated.

[0077] If the result of step S352 is YES (the location of the information terminal 100 has changed), information indicating that the location of the information terminal 100 has changed is sent via the information terminal notification device 140 (step S353), and the flow ends.

[0078] Figure 17 shows an example of the display on the monitor 101 in the sixth embodiment. Display example 400C is the display when the information terminal 100 is locked and its position has not changed. Display example 400H is the display when the information terminal 100 is locked and its position has changed. In display example 400H, the change in the position of the information terminal 100 is indicated by displaying a movement notification 403f in the lower part of the monitor 101. When the information terminal 100 is locked, the information terminal 100 is near the cockpit 7e and the operation of the control levers 7a to 7d is not disabled. If the information terminal 100 is moved under such circumstances, there is a concern that the control levers 7a to 7d may be accidentally operated by touching them. In this embodiment, by notifying the user when the information terminal 100, which is in a locked state, is moved, the user can be made aware that the information terminal 100 is in a locked state (i.e., that the operation of the operation levers 7a to 7d is not disabled), thereby preventing accidental operation of the operation levers 7a to 7d.

[0079] (summary) In the sixth embodiment, the information terminal 100 has an information terminal notification device 140, and when the position of the information terminal 100 changes while the input of information from the information terminal 100 to the control device 200 is disabled, the information terminal notification device 140 notifies information (movement notification 403f) indicating that the position of the information terminal 100 has changed.

[0080] According to the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the operator can be made aware that the information terminal 100 is moving, thus preventing accidental operation caused by touching the operation levers 7a to 7d while the information terminal 100 is moving.

[0081] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to add parts of the configuration of one embodiment to the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to delete parts of the configuration of one embodiment or replace parts of parts of another embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1...Hydraulic excavator (working machine), 1a...Boom, 1A...Front work implement, 1b...Arm, 1B...Body, 1c...Bucket, 1d...Upper slewing body, 1e...Lower traveling body, 1f...Operator's cab, 2a...Boom cylinder, 2b...Arm cylinder, 2c...Bucket cylinder, 3d...Slewing motor, 3e,3f...Travel motor, 4...Engine, 5...Pump, 6...Valve, 7a~7d...Operating levers, 7e...Driver's seat, 8a~8c …Angle sensor, 9a, 9b…GNSS antenna, 10a~10c…Camera, 11…Speaker, 12…Monitor, 14…Key cylinder, 15…Touch panel, 16…Communication device, 17…Information terminal dock, 18…Shut-off lever, 19…Information terminal position acquisition device, 20…Operation lock device, 90…Work machine control device, 91…Work machine communication unit, 92…Information setting unit, 93…Information input restriction determination unit, 94…Restriction area 95...Storage Unit, 100...Operation Lock State Determination Unit, 101...Information Terminal, 102...Touch Panel, 103...Communication Device, 110...Information Terminal Control Device, 120...Information Terminal Communication Unit, 130...Information Terminal Input Device, 140...Information Terminal Notification Device, 200...Control Device, 300...Information Input System for Work Machinery, 401...Header Area, 401a...Icon, 401b...Time, 402...Middle Area, 402a ...Light bar, 402b...Marker, 402c...Distance, 402d...Bucket picture, 402e...Target plane, 403...Footer area, 403a...Menu icon, 403b...Unlock icon, 403c...Lock icon, 403d...Highlighted lock icon, 403e...How to unlock, 403f...Movement notification, 404...Menu, 404a...Menu title, 404b~404d...Menu items.

Claims

1. A control device mounted on a work machine that operates by input from an operating lever provided in the driver's cab, An information input system for a work machine, comprising an information terminal that inputs information different from the operating lever to the control device via communication, When the work machine is in a state where it can be operated by input from the operating lever, and the information terminal is in a predetermined position inside the operator's cabin of the work machine, the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled while the work machine remains in a state where it can be operated by input from the operating lever. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

2. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 1, If the information terminal is located anywhere other than the predetermined location, the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is enabled. The area outside the driver's cab is not included in the predetermined location. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

3. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 2, The aforementioned information terminal has an information terminal notification device, The information terminal notification device notifies at least one of the following pieces of information: whether or not the information terminal is located at the predetermined position, and whether or not the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

4. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned information terminal has an information terminal notification device, The information terminal notification device, when an input operation is performed on the information terminal while the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled, notifies the information indicating that the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled in a manner that is more emphasized than when no input operation is performed on the information terminal. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

5. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned information terminal has an information terminal notification device, The information terminal notification device, when an input operation is performed on the information terminal while the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled, notifies information indicating how to enable the input of information from the information terminal to the control device. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

6. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 2, The aforementioned information terminal has an information terminal notification device, The information terminal notification device notifies information indicating that the location of the information terminal has changed when the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

7. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 1, By disabling input operations to the information terminal, the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

8. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 7, When a specific operation is performed on the information terminal while the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled, a portion of the input operation to the information terminal is enabled. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

9. A control device mounted on a work machine, An information input system for a work machine, comprising an information terminal for inputting information to the control device via communication, When the aforementioned work machine is in an operational state, and the information terminal is in a predetermined position inside the operator's cabin of the work machine, the input of information from the information terminal to the control device is disabled while the work machine remains operational. The predetermined location is the location of the information terminal dock that supplies power to the information terminal when the information terminal is connected to it. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

10. In the information input system for a work machine according to claim 1 or 9, The control device performs setting changes on the work machine based on information input from the information terminal to the control device. An information input system for industrial machinery characterized by the following features.

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