Starting system for work machinery, starting method for work machinery, and work machinery

Abstract

To provide a starting system for a work machine, a method for starting the work machine, and the work machine that prevent a decrease in work efficiency.SOLUTION: A starting system for a work machine including a power source and an additional function unit that achieves a predetermined additional function includes: a presentation unit that presents precautions related to the additional function; and a start control unit that allows the power source to start after an operator confirms the precautions. This can have the operator confirm the precautions related to the additional function before operating the work machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a starting system of a working machine, a starting method of a working machine, and a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for monitoring the surroundings of a working machine so that the working machine does not come into contact with an obstacle including a person, and taking a predetermined safety measure when an obstacle exists within a predetermined area. The safety measures include outputting an alarm by a buzzer or the like, locking the working machine, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By providing an additional function such as the above-described safety function, the working machine can improve work efficiency. On the other hand, if the operator operates the working machine without knowing the existence of the additional function, the work efficiency may decrease. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a starting system of a working machine, a starting method of a working machine, and a working machine that can prevent a decrease in work efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a starting system of a working machine is a starting system of a working machine including a power source and an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function, and includes a presentation unit that presents precautions related to the additional function, and a starting control unit that enables the power source to be started after the operator confirms the precautions.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the above embodiment, by having the operator confirm precautions regarding additional functions before operating the work machine, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a work machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the imaging range of multiple cameras equipped in a work machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the internal configuration of the driver's cab according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing an example of the startup operation of a work machine by the control system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing an example of the startup operation of a work machine by the control system in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example of a screen displayed on a touch panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <First Embodiment> The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 《Configuration of the 100th work machine》 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the work machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The work machine 100 operates at the construction site and performs construction work on materials such as soil and sand. The work machine 100 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The work machine 100 comprises a traveling body 110, a slewing body 120, a work implement 130, and a driver's cab 140. The work machine 100 according to the first embodiment has a collision prevention function as a safety feature that detects obstacles around the work machine 100 and restricts the operation of the traveling body 110, slewing body 120, and work implement 130 based on the detection results.

[0010] In the first embodiment, the work machine 100 authenticates the operator by communicating with an operator terminal 300, such as a smartphone, held by the operator, using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth is a registered trademark). In other embodiments, the work machine 100 and the operator terminal 300 may communicate using a short-range wireless communication method other than BLE, such as Bluetooth® or Zigbee®. The work machine 100 also receives master data used for operator authentication from a remote server device 500 via wide-area communication such as the internet. This allows the work machine 100 to perform authentication processing using the latest master data even if the available operators change.

[0011] The master data stored in the server device 500 is data that associates the operator ID, password, display name, information indicating the operator's authority to operate the work machine 100, operation setting data, and Bluetooth® device address for each operator. The operation setting data is data used when controlling the hydraulic circuit. The information indicating the operator's authority allows identification of whether or not the operator has the authority to operate the work machine 100, and what can be set on the monitor. The operation setting data also represents the relationship between the manipulated variable and the controlled variable. The operation setting data may be, for example, a weight value for the controlled variable or a function that shows the relationship between the manipulated variable and the controlled variable.

[0012] The traveling body 110 supports the working machine 100 so that it can travel. The traveling body 110 includes two endless tracks 111 provided on the left and right, and two traveling motors 112 for driving each endless track 111. The slewing body 120 is supported by the traveling body 110 so that it can slew around the slewing center. The working machine 130 is driven by hydraulic pressure. The working machine 130 is supported by the front part of the slewing body 120 so that it can be driven in the vertical direction. The cab 140 is a space where an operator rides and operates the working machine 100. The cab 140 is provided at the left front part of the slewing body 120. Here, the part of the slewing body 120 to which the working machine 130 is attached is referred to as the front part. Also, for the slewing body 120, the part on the opposite side with respect to the front part is referred to as the rear part, the part on the left side is referred to as the left part, and the part on the right side is referred to as the right part.

[0013] 《Configuration of the Slewing Body 120》 The slewing body 120 includes an engine 121, a hydraulic pump 122, a control valve 123, a slewing motor 124, and a fuel injection device 125. The engine 121 is a prime mover that drives the hydraulic pump 122. A cell motor 1211 is provided in the engine 121. The engine 121 is started by the rotation of the cell motor 1211. The hydraulic pump 122 is a variable displacement pump driven by the engine 121. The hydraulic pump 122 supplies hydraulic oil to each actuator (boom cylinder 131C, arm cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, traveling motor 112, and slewing motor 124) via the control valve 123. The control valve 123 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122. The slewing motor 124 is driven by the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 122 via the control valve 123, and slews the slewing body 120. The fuel injection device 125 injects fuel into the engine 121.

[0014] The revolving body 120 is provided with a plurality of cameras 208 that image the surroundings of the working machine 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 included in the working machine 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the revolving body 120 is provided with a left rear camera 208A that images the left rear range Ra among the surroundings of the revolving body 120, a rear camera 208B that images the rear range Rb among the surroundings of the revolving body 120, a right rear camera 208C that images the right rear range Rc among the surroundings of the revolving body 120, and a right front camera 208D that images the right front range Rd among the surroundings of the revolving body 120. Note that a part of the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 may overlap with each other. The imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras 208 cover the range excluding the left front range Re visible from the cab 140 among the entire circumference of the working machine 100. Note that the cameras 208 according to the first embodiment image the left rear, rear, right rear, and right front of the revolving body 120, but are not limited to this in other embodiments. For example, the number and imaging ranges of the cameras 208 according to other embodiments may be different from the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015] 《Configuration of the working implement 130》[[ID=⑨]] The working implement 130 includes a boom 131, an arm 132, a bucket 133, a boom cylinder 131C, an arm cylinder 132C, and a bucket cylinder 133C.

[0016] The base end portion of the boom 131 is attached to the revolving body 120 via a boom pin. The arm 132 connects the boom 131 and the bucket 133. The base end portion of the arm 132 is attached to the tip end portion of the boom 131 via an arm pin. [[ID=⑧]]The bucket 133 includes a blade for excavating earth and sand and a storage portion for storing the excavated earth and sand. The base end portion of the bucket 133 is attached to the tip end portion of the arm 132 via a bucket pin.

[0017] The boom cylinder 131C is a hydraulic cylinder for operating the boom 131. The base end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the slewing body 120. The tip end of the boom cylinder 131C is attached to the boom 131. The arm cylinder 132C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the arm 132. The base end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the boom 131. The tip end of the arm cylinder 132C is attached to the arm 132. The bucket cylinder 133C is a hydraulic cylinder for driving the bucket 133. The base end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to the arm 132. The tip end of the bucket cylinder 133C is attached to a link member connected to the bucket 133.

[0018] 《Configuration of the 140 driver's cab》 A door 141 for the operator to board is provided on the left side of the driver's cab 140. The door 141 is equipped with a lock actuator 1411 for locking the door 141 and a door switch 1412 for unlocking it.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the driver's cab 140 according to the first embodiment. The driver's cab 140 is equipped with a driver's seat 142, control devices 143, a rotary switch 144, and a touch panel 145D. The rotary switch 144 is a switch that takes on four positions—OFF, ACC (accessory), IG (ignition), and ST (start)—by rotating. When the finger is released from the rotary switch 144 in the ST position, a spring mechanism (not shown) automatically returns it to the IG position. The rotary switch 144 is an example of a start switch for driving the engine controller 206.

[0020] The operating device 143 is a device for driving the traveling body 110, the slewing body 120, and the work implement 130 by manual operation by the operator. The operating device 143 comprises a left operating lever 143LO, a right operating lever 143RO, a left foot pedal 143LF, a right foot pedal 143RF, a left traveling lever 143LT, and a right traveling lever 143RT.

[0021] The left control lever 143LO is located to the left of the driver's seat 142. The right control lever 143RO is located to the right of the driver's seat 142. The left foot pedal 143LF is located on the left side of the floor in front of the driver's seat 142. The right foot pedal 143RF is located on the right side of the floor in front of the driver's seat 142. The left travel lever 143LT is pivotally supported by the left foot pedal 143LF, and the tilt of the left travel lever 143LT is linked to the downward movement of the left foot pedal 143LF. The right travel lever 143RT is pivotally supported by the right foot pedal 143RF, and the tilt of the right travel lever 143RT is linked to the downward movement of the right foot pedal 143RF.

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

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

[0024] The left operating lever 143LO and the right operating lever 143RO are operating mechanisms for performing the slewing operation of the slewing body 120, the raising / lowering operation of the boom 131, the digging / dumping operation of the arm 132, and the digging / dumping operation of the bucket 133. In the working machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the operating pattern of each operating lever is set individually for each operator. An example of an operating pattern is the following pattern. When the left control lever 143LO is tilted forward, the arm 132 performs a dumping operation. When the left control lever 143LO is tilted backward, the arm 132 performs an excavation operation. When the left control lever 143LO is tilted to the right, the slewing body 120 performs a rightward rotation. When the left control lever 143LO is tilted to the left, the slewing body 120 performs a leftward rotation. When the right control lever 143RO is tilted forward, the boom 131 performs a downward operation. When the right control lever 143RO is tilted backward, the boom 131 performs a upward operation. When the right control lever 143RO is tilted to the right, the bucket 133 performs a dumping operation. When the right control lever 143RO is tilted to the left, the bucket 133 performs an excavation operation.

[0025] Configuration of Control System 145 Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control system 145 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 4, solid lines represent power lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines. Also, in Figure 4, dashed lines represent wireless communication. The control system 145 includes a power supply unit 201, a starter signal unit 202, a gateway function controller 203, a monitor controller 204, a control controller 205, an engine controller 206, a wide-area communication controller 207, a camera 208, and a peripheral monitoring component 209. The starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, and engine controller 206 are connected to each other via a first internal network N1 of the work machine 100, such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The gateway function controller 203, wide-area communication controller 207, camera 208, and peripheral monitoring component 209 are connected to each other via a second internal network N2 of the work machine 100, such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0026] The power supply unit 201 supplies electrical energy to each of the devices that make up the control system 145. The starter signal unit 202 receives signal inputs from the door switch 1412, rotary switch 144, operator terminal 300, and monitor controller 204. Based on the input signals, the starter signal unit 202 outputs a start signal or drive signal to the gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, engine controller 206, wide-area communication controller 207, camera 208, surrounding monitoring component 209, lock actuator 1411, or starter motor 1211. Controllers that receive a start signal are started and operated by the electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit 201. The starter signal unit 202 is always operated by receiving electrical energy from the power supply unit 201, even when other controllers are stopped. On the other hand, when the work machine 100 is not started, only the circuit with BLE communication functionality of the starter signal unit 202 is active, and other components may be in a dormant state, or they may be configured to start intermittently.

[0027] The gateway function controller 203 relays communication between controllers connected to the first internal network N1 and controllers connected to the second internal network N2. In particular, the gateway function controller 203 stores the operator authentication master data received by the wide-area communication controller 207 from the server device 500 via the wide-area communication network and transmits it to components connected via the first internal network N1.

[0028] The monitor controller 204 controls the display on the touch panel 145D provided by the control system 145 and notifies the system of any touch operation on the touch panel 145D. In other embodiments, the control system 145 may be equipped with a monitor without touch input functionality, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and physical buttons instead of the touch panel 145D. In this case, the monitor controller 204 controls the display on the monitor and notifies the system of any physical button presses.

[0029] The control controller 205 acquires various data related to the hydraulic equipment that controls the operation of the work implement 130 using sensors (not shown), and outputs control signals to control the hydraulic equipment according to the operation of the operating device 143. In other words, the control controller 205 controls the drive of the boom cylinder 131C, arm cylinder 132C, bucket cylinder 133C, travel motor 112, slewing motor 124, etc. The control controller 205 is an example of a work implement control device that controls the actuators that drive the work implement 130.

[0030] The engine controller 206 acquires various data related to the engine 121 using sensors (not shown) and controls the engine 121 by instructing the fuel injection device 125 on the amount of fuel to be injected. The engine controller 206 is an example of a power source control unit that controls a power source.

[0031] The wide-area communication controller 207 has the function of performing communication via a wide-area communication network. The wide-area communication controller 207 receives master data used for operator authentication from the server device 500 via communication via the wide-area communication network. The wide-area communication controller 207 is started intermittently at predetermined intervals (for example, every 24 hours) to receive data from the server device 500.

[0032] Camera 208 captures images of the area around the work machine 100, as shown in Figure 2.

[0033] The peripheral monitoring component 209 generates an overhead image based on the image captured by the camera 208 and displays the overhead image on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204. The peripheral monitoring component 209 also detects obstacles within a predetermined distance from the work machine 100. In other words, the peripheral monitoring component 209 is an example of an additional function unit that realizes a predetermined additional function.

[0034] The control system 145 has a function to perform login processing for the operator in the cab 140 by operating the touch panel 145D. For example, the control system 145 may have a controller that performs login processing, or the starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, and monitor controller 204 may have the function of performing login processing. Specifically, the control system 145 displays an operator ID selection screen on the touch panel 145D via the monitor controller 204 and accepts the selection of an operator ID. If the selected operator ID indicates an operator with operating authority who is close to the work machine 100, the control system 145 authenticates that the operator in the cab 140 is an operator with operating authority.

[0035] Operator terminal 300 The operator terminal 300 functions as a BLE peripheral by executing a pre-installed startup program for the work machine 100. When the operator terminal 300 executes the startup program, it displays a list of work machines 100 and accepts the operator's selection of the work machine 100 to be started. Upon receiving the selection of a work machine 100, the operator terminal 300 begins sending an advertisement packet containing the device address of the operator terminal 300 and the machine ID of the selected work machine 100.

[0036] Operation of Control System 145 Here, we will describe the startup operation of the work machine 100 when an operator with operational authority (a specific operator) boards the work machine 100. The control system 145 is an example of a startup system for the work machine 100. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing an example of the startup operation of the work machine 100 by the control system 145 in the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing an example of the startup operation of the work machine 100 by the control system 145 in the first embodiment. Figure 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 145D according to the first embodiment.

[0037] When the operator operates the operator terminal 300 and executes the startup program, it displays a list of work machines 100 and accepts the operator's selection of the work machine 100 to be started (step S1). Upon receiving the selection of the work machine 100, the operator terminal 300 sends an advertisement packet containing the device address and the machine ID of the selected work machine 100 (step S2).

[0038] The starter signal unit 202 receives an advertised packet and determines that a specific operator is nearby if the operator terminal 300 that sent the advertised packet is already paired. Upon determining that a specific operator is nearby, the starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the gateway function controller 203 (step S3). This causes the gateway function controller 203 to start up (step S4). Subsequently, the gateway function controller 203 completes the startup (step S5).

[0039] When the operator reaches the work machine 100, they press the door switch 1412 to open the door 141. The starter signal unit 202 receives an ON signal from the door switch 1412 (step S6). The starter signal unit 202 confirms the proximity of the specific operator and then drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141 (step S7).

[0040] When the operator enters the driver's cab 140 and turns the rotary switch 144 to the ACC position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal from the rotary switch 144 indicating ACC (step S8). After confirming the proximity of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 drives the lock actuator 1411 to unlock the door 141. After confirming the proximity of the specific operator, the starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the monitor controller 204 (step S9). This activates the monitor controller 204 (step S10).

[0041] The monitor controller 204 outputs a signal to the touch panel 145D to display the operator list screen D11 shown in Figure 7 (step S11). As a result, the monitor controller 204 displays the operator list screen D11 on the touch panel 145D. Note that when the rotary switch 144 is in the ACC position, the engine 121 is not running. In other words, the starter signal unit 202 displays the operator list screen D11 while the engine 121 is stopped. The monitor controller 204 accepts the selection of one operator ID from the operator list screen D11 based on the operator's operation (step S12). The monitor controller 204 receives information from the operator terminal 300 connected in step S2 via the second internal network N2 from the starter signal unit 202 and obtains the operator ID associated with the operator terminal 300 from the gateway function controller 203 (step S13). The monitor controller 204 compares the operator ID selected in step S12 with the operator ID obtained in step S13 and authenticates the operator (step S14). In other words, the monitor controller 204 is an example of an authentication unit that authenticates the operator operating the work machine 100. In other embodiments, the monitor controller 204 may transmit the selected operator ID to the gateway function controller 203, and the gateway function controller 203 may perform operator authentication. If the operator is authenticated, the monitor controller 204 outputs the authentication result via the first internal network N1 (step S15). If operator authentication fails, the monitor controller 204 returns to accepting the selection of the operator ID in step S12.

[0042] When the starter signal unit 202 obtains an authentication result via the first internal network N1, it sends a start signal to the control controller 205, the wide-area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 (step S16). In other words, the starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to all components that are not yet started except the engine controller 206. This causes the control controller 205, the wide-area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 to start up (step S17). In other embodiments, the starter signal unit 202 may start up the control controller 205, the wide-area communication controller 207, the camera 208, and the peripheral monitoring component 209 at the same timing as the monitor controller 204 (step S9).

[0043] On the other hand, when the gateway function controller 203 receives the authentication result output in step S15, it reads the operation setting data associated with the selected operator ID from the stored master data (step S18). Based on the read operation setting data, the gateway function controller 203 generates an operation setting confirmation screen D12 for confirming the operation setting content, as shown in Figure 7, and sends a display instruction for the operation setting confirmation screen D12 to the monitor controller 204 (step S19). When the monitor controller 204 receives the display instruction, it displays the operation setting confirmation screen D12 on the touch panel 145D (step S20). The operation setting confirmation screen D12 includes information for confirming the speed of the work implement 130 in relation to the amount of operation of the operation lever, the correspondence between the operation direction of the operation lever and each part of the work implement 130, and the functions assigned to buttons (not shown) provided on the operation lever. The operation setting confirmation screen D12 displays a change button to change the setting content and an OK button to not change it.

[0044] When the operator presses the OK button, the monitor controller 204 sends information to the gateway function controller 203 via the first internal network N1 as a confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12, indicating that the operation setting data will not be changed (step S21). If the operator presses the Change button, the monitor controller 204 receives input of the changes to the operation settings from the operator and sends the changed operation setting data to the gateway function controller 203 via the first internal network N1 as a confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12. In this case, the gateway function controller 203 updates the stored operation setting data.

[0045] When the gateway function controller 203 obtains the confirmation result of the operation setting confirmation screen D12 from the monitor controller 204, it sends the operation setting data to the control controller 205 (step S22). As a result, the control controller 205 reflects the operation setting data (step S23).

[0046] The gateway function controller 203 sends a request for cautionary information to the components connected via the second internal network N2 (step S24). Each component connected via the second internal network N2 determines whether there are any cautionary information that the operator should be aware of before starting the engine 121, and if there are any, it sends information indicating the cautionary information to the gateway function controller 203 (step S25). In the control system 145 according to the first embodiment, cautionary information is set in the peripheral monitoring component 209, so the peripheral monitoring component 209 sends information indicating the cautionary information to the gateway function controller 203 via the second internal network N2.

[0047] When the gateway function controller 203 receives information indicating precautions, it generates a precaution confirmation screen D13 for reviewing the precautions, as shown in Figure 7, and sends a display instruction for the precaution confirmation screen D13 to the monitor controller 204 (step S26). When the monitor controller 204 receives the display instruction, it displays the precaution confirmation screen D13 on the touch panel 145D (step S27). The precaution confirmation screen D13 includes precautions regarding the use of the peripheral monitoring component 209. Specifically, the precaution confirmation screen D13 states that the operation of the work machine 100 may be restricted by the peripheral monitoring component 209. The precaution confirmation screen D13 displays a confirmation button for indicating that the content has been reviewed. In other words, the monitor controller 204 is an example of a display unit that presents precautions related to additional functions.

[0048] When the operator presses the confirmation button, the monitor controller 204 transmits information via the first internal network N1 indicating that the cautionary notice confirmation screen D13 has been confirmed (step S28). This allows the starter signal unit 202 to recognize that the cautionary notice has been confirmed by the operator.

[0049] After the precautions have been confirmed, when the operator turns the rotary switch 144 to the IG position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal from the rotary switch 144 indicating IG (step S29). The starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the engine controller 206 (step S30). This causes the engine controller 206 to start up (step S31).

[0050] When the operator puts the rotary switch 144 into the ST position, the starter signal unit 202 receives a signal indicating ST from the rotary switch 144 (step S32). The starter signal unit 202 drives the starter motor 1211 (step S33). As a result, the engine 121 starts and the work machine 100 becomes operational.

[0051] As described above, the starter signal unit 202 activates the engine controller 206 and starts the engine 121 after the operator has confirmed the warnings on the peripheral monitoring component 209. The starter signal unit 202 does not activate the engine controller 206 even if the rotary switch 144 is turned to the IG position before the operator has confirmed the warnings on the peripheral monitoring component 209. In other words, the starter signal unit 202 is an example of a start control unit that enables the power source to be started after the operator has confirmed the warnings.

[0052] In the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 6, the starter signal unit 202 activates the control controller 205 when authentication is performed by the monitor controller 204 in step S15, but this is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the starter signal unit 202 may activate the control controller 205 after the operator has confirmed the precautions in step S28.

[0053] Operation of the starter signal unit 202 Here, we will describe a start control method that prevents the engine controller 206 from starting via the starter signal unit 202 until the operator has confirmed the precautions. The starter signal unit 202 has a storage area in its internal memory for a confirmation flag that indicates whether the operator has confirmed the precautions. When the starter signal unit 202 receives an advertised packet while the work machine 100 is stopped, it initializes the confirmation flag to False. At this time, the starter signal unit 202 outputs an instruction to the operating device 143 to light up the rotary switch 144 red. The rotary switch 144 lighting up red indicates that the engine 121 cannot be started.

[0054] The starter signal unit 202 monitors the confirmation result of the cautionary notes transmitted from the monitor controller 204 via the first internal network N1. When the confirmation result is transmitted, the starter signal unit 202 rewrites the confirmation flag to True. At this time, the starter signal unit 202 outputs an instruction to the operating device 143 to light up the rotary switch 144 green. The green light on the rotary switch 144 indicates that the engine 121 is ready to be started.

[0055] The starter signal unit 202 determines whether the confirmation flag is True when the rotary switch 144 is turned to the IG position. If the confirmation flag is True, the starter signal unit 202 sends a start signal to the engine controller 206. On the other hand, if the confirmation flag is False, the starter signal unit 202 does not send a start signal to the engine controller 206.

[0056] Similarly, the starter signal unit 202 determines whether the confirmation flag is True when the rotary switch 144 is placed in the ST position. If the confirmation flag is True, the starter signal unit 202 drives the starter motor 1211. On the other hand, if the confirmation flag is False, the starter signal unit 202 does not drive the starter motor 1211.

[0057] Action / Effect Thus, according to the first embodiment, the control system 145 includes a monitor controller 204 that displays precautions regarding additional functions provided by a peripheral monitoring component 209, and a starter signal unit 202 that enables the engine 121 to be started after the operator has confirmed the precautions. As a result, the control system 145 prevents a decrease in work efficiency by allowing the operator to recognize the existence of additional functions by having them confirm precautions regarding additional functions before operating the work machine 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the control system 145 according to the first embodiment displays the operating patterns for the operating levers of the operating device 143 on the touch panel 145D, allowing the operator to start the engine 121 after confirming the precautions and operating patterns. This reduces the possibility of the operator making a mistake in operating the operating levers.

[0059] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes are possible. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel. The starter signal unit 202 according to the above embodiment may be composed of a single computer, or the configuration of the starter signal unit 202 may be divided among multiple computers, and the multiple computers may cooperate with each other to function as the starter signal unit 202. For example, the function of outputting the start signal and the function of authenticating the operator may be implemented in separate computers. Some of the computers constituting the starter signal unit 202 may be mounted inside the work machine 100, while the other computers may be provided outside the work machine 100.

[0060] In the control system 145 according to the above embodiment, some of the components constituting the control system 145 may be mounted inside the work machine 100, while other components may be provided outside the work machine 100.

[0061] The operator terminal 300 according to the above-described embodiment is a terminal capable of executing application programs such as a smartphone, but is not limited to this. For example, the operator terminal 300 according to another embodiment may be a key fob that only has the function of outputting predetermined advertisement packets. Note that if the operator terminal 300 is a key fob, it cannot accept the selection of the work machine 100 to be activated by the application program. In this case, all work machines 100 that have received an advertisement packet and are paired with the operator terminal 300 that sent the advertisement packet may be activated.

[0062] The work machine 100 according to the above embodiment has, as an additional function, a collision prevention function that detects obstacles around the work machine 100 and restricts the operation of the traveling body 110, the rotating body 120, and the work machine 130 based on the detection result, but is not limited to this. For example, an additional function according to another embodiment may be another safety function that displays the obstacle detection result on the touch panel 145D and outputs an audible alarm. Another additional function according to another embodiment may be a function that automatically controls the work machine 130 so that the bucket 133 does not enter below a preset construction surface.

[0063] The work machine 100 according to the above embodiment recognizes that the settings of the operating levers and precautions have been confirmed by input to the touch panel 145D, but is not limited to this. For example, the work machine 100 according to another embodiment may have a voice recognition function and output the settings of the operating levers and precautions by voice instead of displaying them on the touch panel 145D, and determine whether or not the settings of the operating levers and precautions have been confirmed by voice recognition.

[0064] The work machine 100 according to the above embodiment switches the display on the touch panel 145D in the following order: operator list screen D11 for operator authentication, operation setting confirmation screen D12 for confirming operation settings, and additional function precaution confirmation screen D13. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the work machine 100 according to another embodiment may switch the display on the touch panel 145D in the following order: operator list screen D11, precaution confirmation screen D13, and operation setting confirmation screen D12. In this case, the starter signal unit 202 may not start the control controller 205 until the operator has confirmed the precautions. For example, the starter signal unit 202 may not send a start signal to the control controller 205 if the confirmation flag in the internal memory is False when the rotary switch 144 is in the ACC position, and may send a start signal to the control controller 205 if the confirmation flag in the internal memory is True when the rotary switch 144 is in the ACC position.

[0065] The control system 145 according to the above embodiment requires the operator to agree to the precautions regarding the additional function, but is not limited to this. For example, in the control system 145 according to another embodiment, if the operator does not agree to the precautions regarding the additional function, the additional function may be disabled, and the engine 121 may be made startable. For example, the monitor controller 204 displays a disagreement button in addition to a confirmation button on the precaution confirmation screen D13 shown in Figure 7. The monitor controller 204 transmits information of the pressed button to the gateway function controller 203. If the pressed button is a confirmation button, the engine 121 is allowed to start, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the pressed button is a disagreement button, the gateway function controller 203 outputs a stop signal to the component that sent the precaution via the second internal network N2. For example, the gateway function controller 203 outputs a stop signal to the surrounding monitoring component 209. As a result, the surrounding monitoring component 209 stops operating and does not realize the collision mitigation function. When the gateway function controller 203 confirms that the peripheral monitoring component 209 has stopped, it outputs an instruction to the starter signal unit 202 to rewrite the confirmation flag to True. This makes it possible to start the engine 121 while preventing the use of the additional function if the operator does not agree to the precautions related to the additional function.

[0066] The work machine 100 in the above-described embodiment is a hydraulic excavator, but is not limited to this in other embodiments. For example, the work machine 100 in other embodiments may be other work machines such as a dump truck, a wheel loader, or a motor grader.

[0067] <Computer Configuration> Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. Each component of the control system 145 described above (starter signal unit 202, gateway function controller 203, monitor controller 204, control controller 205, etc.) is implemented in the computer 900. The computer 900 includes a processor 910, main memory 930, storage 950, and interface 970. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the storage 950 in the form of a program. The processor 910 reads the program from the storage 950, expands it into the main memory 930, and executes the above-mentioned processing according to the program. The processor 910 also allocates memory areas in the main memory 930 corresponding to each of the above-mentioned memory units according to the program. Examples of the processor 910 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0068] The program may be for the purpose of implementing some of the functions that the computer 900 is to perform. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in storage, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer 900 may be equipped with a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to, or instead of, the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor 910 may be implemented by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor.

[0069] Examples of storage 950 include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, and semiconductor memory. Storage 950 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 900, or an external medium connected to computer 900 via interface 970 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is delivered to computer 900 via a communication line, computer 900 may receive the program, load it into main memory 930, and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, storage 950 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0070] Furthermore, the program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. In addition, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that implements the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in storage 950. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 100…Working machine 110…Traction unit 111…Continuous track 112…Traction motor 120…Slewing unit 121…Engine 1211…Starter motor 122…Hydraulic pump 123…Control valve 124…Slewing motor 125…Fuel injection system 130…Working machine 131…Boom 131C…Boom cylinder 132…Arm 132C…Arm cylinder 133…Bucket 133C…Bucket cylinder 140…Operator's cab 141…Door 1411…Lock actuator 1412…Door switch 142…Driver's seat 143…Control devices 143LF…Left foot pedal 143LO…Left operating lever 143LT…Left travel lever 143RF…Right foot pedal 143RO…Right operating lever 143RT…Right travel lever 144…Rotary switch 145…Control system 145D…Touch panel 201…Power supply unit 202…Starter signal unit 203…Gateway function controller 204…Monitor controller 205…Control controller 206…Engine controller 207…Wide area communication controller 300…Operator terminal 500…Server device 900…Computer 910…Processor 930…Main memory 950…Storage 970…Interface

Claims

1. A starting system for a work machine comprising a power source and an additional function unit that provides additional functions to assist the operator in operating the work machine, A display unit that, when using the additional function which indicates that the operation of the work machine may be restricted, presents a cautionary note including that the operation of the work machine may be restricted by the operation of the additional function, A starting system for a work machine comprising a starting control unit that enables the power source to be started after the operator has confirmed the aforementioned precautions.

2. The aforementioned additional function includes a function to detect obstacles around the work machine using an imaging device provided on the work machine. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned additional function includes a function that controls the output of an actuator driven by the power source based on the detection result of the obstacle. A starting system for a work machine according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned work machine is A work machine driven by an actuator driven by the aforementioned power source, A work machine control device that controls the actuator that drives the work machine, Equipped with, The startup control unit enables the operation of the work machine control device after the operator has confirmed the precautions. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned work machine is It is equipped with an operating lever for operating an actuator driven by the aforementioned power source, The display unit further displays the operation patterns of the operation lever, The startup control unit enables the power source to be started after the operator has confirmed the precautions and the operation pattern. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The machine is equipped with an authentication unit for authenticating the operator who operates the machine, The display unit displays the aforementioned precautions after the operator has been authenticated. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned work machine is A power source control unit that controls the aforementioned power source, A start switch for driving the power source control unit and Equipped with, The startup control unit activates the power source control unit when the operator operates the start switch after confirming the precautions, and does not activate the power source control unit when the operator operates the start switch before confirming the precautions. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The display unit displays the cautionary notes on the monitor and determines whether the cautionary notes have been acknowledged based on the input to the monitor. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The display unit outputs the cautionary notes as audio and determines whether the cautionary notes have been acknowledged through speech recognition. A starting system for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method for starting a work machine comprising a power source and an additional function unit that provides additional functions to assist the operator in operating the work machine, A step of providing a caution regarding the use of the additional function that indicates that the operation of the work machine may be restricted, including that the operation of the work machine may be restricted by the operation of the additional function, A step of determining whether the operator has confirmed the aforementioned precautions, After determining that the aforementioned precautions have been confirmed, the power source is started. A method for starting a work machine equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

11. Power source and A work machine driven by the aforementioned power source, An operating lever for operating the aforementioned work machine, An additional function unit that provides additional functions to assist the operator in operating the work machine, A monitor that displays a warning, including that the operation of the work machine may be restricted by the activation of the additional function, when using the additional function which indicates that the operation of the work machine may be restricted. After the operator has confirmed the above precautions, a start control unit enables the power source to be started, A work machine equipped with the following features.

12. The monitor further displays the operation patterns of the control lever, The startup control unit enables the power source to be started after the operator has confirmed the precautions and the operation pattern. The work machine according to claim 11.

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