Operation device and work machine provided with same

Abstract

Provided are: an operation device with which it is possible to immediately adjust an audio volume even when the audio volume sounds low or high as a result of adjusting an engine rotation speed during audio playback, or with which it is possible to immediately adjust an air conditioner air volume even when it is desired to suppress engine power loss by reducing the air volume of the air conditioner as a result of adjusting the engine rotation speed during operation of the air conditioner, or when it is desired to improve fuel efficiency; and a work machine provided with said operation device. In an operation device in which an engine rotation speed adjustment function and an audio volume adjustment function are exclusively allocated to a rotation operation of a dial, the dial is tilted in one direction in a state where the engine rotation speed adjustment function is allocated to the rotation operation of the dial, thereby switching the allocation of the rotation operation of the dial to the audio volume adjustment function. In a state where the audio volume adjustment function is allocated to the rotation operation of the dial, the dial is tilted in a direction opposite to that when the dial is switched from the engine rotation speed adjustment function to the audio volume adjustment function, thereby switching the allocation of the rotation operation of the dial to the engine rotation speed adjustment function.

Description

Operating device and work machine equipped with same

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device having a dial that accepts rotational operation and cross-directional operation, and to a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator that is equipped with such an operating device.

[0002] Conventionally, in work machines such as hydraulic excavators, as the number of functions increases, the number of input switches for using those functions tends to increase, but if the number of switches becomes too large, operability decreases and the comfort of the operator's cab is affected. Therefore, Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-26000 A) discloses an operating device that can selectively assign to a dial that receives rotational operation a function for adjusting the engine speed and a screen operating function for performing operations according to the screen displayed on the monitor, as a method for improving operability while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-26000

[0004] However, when the operation device of Patent Document 1 is used, the engine speed adjustment required for operating the work machine and the screen operation displayed on the monitor can be performed with a single operation device, thereby reducing the number of parts. However, when adjusting the audio volume or airflow rate of the air conditioner, an operation device separate from the operation device of this document must be used or the adjustment must be performed as a screen operation, which makes it difficult to immediately adjust the audio volume or airflow rate of the air conditioner in response to changes in the way the audio sounds that may occur when the engine speed is adjusted or to a request to adjust the airflow rate of the air conditioner.

[0005] For example, when the engine speed is reduced from high to low during audio playback, the engine noise heard in the driver's cab becomes quieter, and the audio volume may sound louder than before the engine speed was reduced. On the other hand, when the engine speed is increased from low to high, the engine noise becomes louder, and the audio volume may sound quieter than before the engine speed was increased. During audio playback, particularly when making a call using a hands-free function connected to a smartphone or mobile phone, the other person's voice may sound louder or quieter after adjusting the engine speed, so it is preferable to be able to instantly adjust the audio volume.

[0006] Furthermore, because the air conditioner compressor uses engine power, there are cases where, as a result of adjusting the engine speed, you want to reduce the air conditioner's airflow to reduce engine power loss (if the engine speed is reduced, the air conditioner will take up much of the engine's power, so you want to ensure engine output for operating the work machine), or you want to improve fuel efficiency (if engine output is reduced in order to drive with low fuel consumption, you also want to reduce the air conditioner's airflow to drive with low fuel consumption), so it is preferable to be able to adjust the air conditioner's airflow instantly.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide an operating device that can instantly adjust the audio volume even when the audio volume sounds too low or too high as a result of adjusting the engine speed during audio playback, or that can instantly adjust the air conditioner air volume even when the engine speed is adjusted while the air conditioner is operating and it is desired to reduce the air conditioner air volume to suppress engine power loss or to improve fuel economy, and a work machine equipped with the operating device.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, one representative operating device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a dial that accepts rotational operation and operation in a direction different from the rotational operation, and a controller that, when an operation in a direction different from the rotational operation of the dial is accepted, switches the function assigned to the rotational operation of the dial to a first adjustment function, which is an engine rotation speed adjustment function that adjusts the engine rotation speed, and a second adjustment function that is at least one of an audio volume adjustment function that adjusts the audio volume and an air conditioner air volume adjustment function that adjusts the air volume of the air conditioner.

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the audible volume of the audio changes as a result of adjusting the engine speed during audio playback, the audio volume can be instantly adjusted.Alternatively, even if a request to adjust the airflow rate of the air conditioner occurs as a result of adjusting the engine speed while the air conditioner is operating, the airflow rate of the air conditioner can be instantly adjusted.

[0010] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

[0011] 3A . FIG. 3B is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a hydraulic excavator as an example of a work machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 3C is a view showing a hydraulic drive system of a hydraulic excavator as an example of a work machine according to this embodiment, together with its control unit. FIG. 3D is a view schematically showing an example of the equipment configuration in the cab of a vehicle body according to this embodiment. FIG. 3E is an enlarged plan view of the dial and push-button of the operating device of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3F is an enlarged perspective view of the dial of the operating device of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3G is a simplified system configuration diagram showing the operating device according to this embodiment together with its peripheral configuration. FIG. 3I is a view schematically showing an example of a method for switching functions assigned to rotational operation of a dial according to this embodiment. FIG. 3J is a flowchart showing the processing content (when rotating the dial and operating in the cross direction) of the operating device control device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3J is a flowchart showing the processing content (when pressing down the dial) of the operating device control device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3I is a view schematically showing an example of the correspondence of monitor displays when rotational operation of a dial according to this embodiment is assigned to the engine rotation speed adjustment function. FIG. 3I is a view schematically showing an example of the correspondence of monitor displays when rotational operation of a dial according to this embodiment is assigned to the audio volume adjustment function. FIG. 3I is a view schematically showing an example of the correspondence of monitor displays when rotational operation of a dial according to this embodiment is assigned to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a monitor display when a cross direction operation of a dial according to the present embodiment is assigned to a cursor movement operation on the screen.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, showing an example of a work machine using the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic external appearance of a hydraulic excavator shown as an example of a work machine according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a hydraulic drive system of the hydraulic excavator shown as an example of a work machine according to this embodiment, together with its control unit.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a vehicle body (working machine main body) 1B consisting of an upper rotating body 1d and a lower traveling body 1e, and an articulated working device 1A consisting of a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c, each of which rotates vertically, and attached to the front of the upper rotating body 1d, with the base end of the boom 1a of the working device 1A supported on the front part of the upper rotating body 1d. The working device 1A is configured by connecting multiple driven members (the boom 1a, the arm 1b, and the bucket 1c as an attachment), and is capable of performing tasks such as excavation and dumping. The upper rotating body 1d is rotatably mounted above the lower traveling body 1e, and is equipped with an operator's cabin (also called a cab) 1f.

[0015] The boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, upper swing unit 1d, and lower traveling unit 1e shown in Fig. 1 are driven by hydraulic actuators, namely, a boom cylinder 3a, an arm cylinder 3b, a bucket cylinder 3c, a swing motor 3d, and left and right traveling motors 3e and 3f, respectively, shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and their operations are commanded by a plurality of operating lever devices 4a to 4f. The plurality of operating lever devices 4a to 4f are arranged in the operator's cab 1f in which the operator sits, and command the operations of the plurality of hydraulic actuators 3a to 3f according to the amount of operation.

[0016] 2, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment comprises: a hydraulic pump 2; a plurality of hydraulic actuators including a boom cylinder 3a, an arm cylinder 3b, a bucket cylinder 3c, a swing motor 3d, and left and right traveling motors 3e, 3f that are driven by pressure oil from the hydraulic pump 2; a plurality of operating lever devices 4a to 4f provided corresponding to these hydraulic actuators 3a to 3f, respectively; a plurality of flow control valves 5a to 5f that are controlled by these operating lever devices 4a to 4f and control the flow rate of pressure oil supplied to the hydraulic actuators 3a to 3f; a relief valve 6 that opens when the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump 2 reaches or exceeds a set value; and a control unit 7 that has the function of controlling the flow control valves 5a to 5f by inputting operation signals from the operating lever devices 4a to 4f, these constituting a hydraulic drive system that drives a plurality of driven members including the boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, upper swing unit 1d, and lower traveling unit 1e of the hydraulic excavator 1. The hydraulic pump 2 is driven by the rotation of an engine (not shown) and discharges pressure oil (operating oil) to each of the hydraulic actuators 3a to 3f.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, angle sensors (attitude sensors) 8a, 8b, and 8c that detect the rotation angles of the boom 1a, arm 1b, and bucket 1c are provided on the boom pin, arm pin, and bucket pin of the working apparatus 1A. The attitude of the working apparatus 1A can be detected from the angles detected by the angle sensors 8a, 8b, and 8c, and the angle sensors 8a, 8b, and 8c function as attitude sensors that detect the attitude of the working apparatus 1A. Note that inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the boom 1a, arm 1b, and bucket 1c, respectively, can be used as the attitude sensors for the working apparatus 1A.

[0018] 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams schematically showing an example of a device installed in the driver's cab 1f of the vehicle body 1B according to this embodiment.

[0019] The lever 301 is a safety device that switches the drive of the hydraulic excavator 1 between enabled and disabled in response to the operation of the control lever devices 4a to 4f. The group of operation devices 302 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the operation device 302) for using the functions of the hydraulic excavator 1 is composed of a dial operation device 305 and push button operation devices 306 to 309. Each operation device is an input device that enables the use of functions possessed by the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment. Typical examples of such functions include adjusting the engine speed, operating the wipers, operating the audio system, and operating the air conditioner. The dial operation device (also simply referred to as the dial) 305 has a mechanism that allows it to be rotated, moved in a crosswise direction (up, down, left, and right), and pushed from top to bottom (see FIG. 3C in particular). The push button operation devices (also simply referred to as push buttons) 306 to 309 are located near the dial operation device 305 and have a mechanism that allows it to be pushed from top to bottom. The monitor 303 is equipped with a touch panel and is a device that displays various information and uses the functions possessed by the hydraulic excavator 1. When operating the monitor 303, the operation device group 302 is used or a touch operation is performed on the monitor 303. The engine starter 304 is a device (engine start control device) for controlling the start of the engine of the hydraulic excavator 1. The engine starter 304 is provided between the operation lever devices 4a, 4b and the operation device group 302, in other words, on the front side of the operation device group 302.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a simplified system configuration diagram showing the operation device according to this embodiment together with its peripheral configuration.

[0021] The hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is provided with an operating device control device (controller) 400 according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The operating device control device 400 allocates functions to the operating device group 302, executes functions provided in the hydraulic excavator 1, and presents such information on the monitor 303 or the like in response to signals input by the operator via the operating device group 302 and the engine start control device 401. The operating device control device 400 has an input determination unit 402, a switch function allocation processing unit 403, a switch function assignment storage unit 404, a signal output unit 405, and a display processing unit 406, and also has the engine start control device 401, the monitor 303, an engine rotation speed control device 407, an audio volume control device 408, and an air conditioner air volume control device 409 as peripheral devices.

[0022] The input determination unit 402 determines whether a rotation operation, a cross-shaped operation, or a press operation has been input in response to the operation of the dial operation device 305, and if it determines that a signal satisfying the conditions for changing the function allocation of the operation device group 302 has been input, it sends a signal to a switch function assignment processing unit 403. In response to the information in the signal, the switch function assignment processing unit 403 sends a signal to a signal output unit 405 that switches the function assignment of each switch in the operation device group 302. Upon receiving the signal for switching the function assignment of the operation device group 302 from the signal output unit 405, the display processing unit 406 sends a signal to the monitor 303 to display the status of the function assignment to the operation device group 302. The signal output unit 405 also sends signals to the dial operation device 305 and the push button operation devices 306 to 309 to switch the assigned functions.

[0023] When the signal output unit 405 receives a signal indicating a rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 from the input determination unit 402, it sends a signal to either the engine rotation speed control device 407, the audio volume control device 408, or the air conditioner air volume control device 409 depending on the function assigned to the dial operation device 305, and at the same time sends a signal to switch the display to the monitor 303 via the display processing unit 406.

[0024] When a switch function assignment memory unit 404 provided in the switch function assignment processing unit 403 receives a signal sent from the engine start control device 401 indicating that the engine has been turned off, it stores the functions that were assigned to the operating device group 302 immediately before that, and when the engine is started again (the next time the engine is started), a signal indicating that the engine has started is sent from the engine start control device 401 to the switch function assignment processing unit 403, which then sends a signal to the monitor 303 via the signal output unit 405 and the display processing unit 406 to display the functions that were assigned immediately before the engine was started, and at the same time assigns the functions that were assigned immediately before the engine was started to the dial operating device 305 and the push button operating devices 306 to 309.

[0025] 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for switching function assignment of the dial operation device 305. In this embodiment, the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 exclusively assigns any one of the following functions to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305: an engine rotation speed adjustment function for adjusting the rotation speed of the engine that drives the hydraulic excavator 1 (the work implement 1A thereof), an audio volume adjustment function for adjusting the volume of audio played in the cab 1 f of the vehicle body 1B, and an air conditioner air volume adjustment function for adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner that conditions the cab 1 f of the vehicle body 1B.

[0026] If the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is the engine rotation speed adjustment function 500, tilting the dial operation device 305 to the right (507) switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the audio volume adjustment function 502. In this state, if the dial operation device 305 is tilted to the left (505), the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 switches back to the state before switching to the audio volume adjustment function 502, i.e., to the engine rotation speed adjustment function 500.

[0027] If the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is the engine rotation speed adjustment function 500, tilting the dial operation device 305 to the left (506) switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function 501. In this state, if the dial operation device 305 is tilted to the right (504), the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 switches back to the state before switching to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function 501, i.e., to the engine rotation speed adjustment function 500.

[0028] If the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is the engine rotation speed adjustment function 500, when the dial operation device 305 is pressed (508), the function assigned to the cross-directional operation of the dial operation device 305 is switched to the screen operation function 503 for moving the cursor displayed on the monitor 303.

[0029] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents (when the dial operation device 305 is rotated and operated in the cross direction) of the operation device control device 400. The operation based on the flowchart in FIG.

[0030] S100: If the engine is started, the process proceeds to S110. If the engine is not started, the process proceeds to END.

[0031] S110: The functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 of the operation device group 302 and the functions assigned to the depression operation of the push button operation devices 306 to 309 are respectively assigned to the functions assigned immediately before the engine was turned off.

[0032] S120: The monitor 303 displays a schematic representation of the functions assigned in S110 and the current setting values ​​of the assigned functions.

[0033] S130: If the dial operation device 305 is rotated, the process proceeds to S140. If the dial operation device 305 is not rotated, the process proceeds to S160.

[0034] S140: Adjust the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305. Any of the engine rotation speed adjustment function, audio volume adjustment function, and air conditioner air volume adjustment function is assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305, and adjustment is made according to the rotation amount and direction of the dial operation device 305.

[0035] S150: Depending on the result of S140, the display content of the monitor 303 displayed in S120 is changed.

[0036] S160: If the dial operation device 305 is tilted in one of the cross directions, the process proceeds to S170. If not, the process proceeds to END.

[0037] S170: The function to be assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 of the operation device group 302 and the function to be assigned to the depression operation of the push button operation devices 306 to 309 are switched to a function different from the previously assigned function (see FIG. 5).

[0038] S180: The functions assigned in S170 and the current setting values ​​of the assigned functions are displayed on the monitor 303 in a schematic manner, and the process proceeds to S130.

[0039] 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the operation device control device 400 (when the dial operation device 305 is pressed down). The operation based on the flowchart in FIG.

[0040] S200: If the engine speed adjustment function is assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305, the process proceeds to S210. If any other function is assigned, the process proceeds to END.

[0041] S210: If the dial operation device 305 is pressed, the process proceeds to S220. If the dial operation device 305 is not pressed, the process proceeds to END.

[0042] S220: The screen displayed on the monitor 303 is changed to a menu screen. The menu screen is a screen that displays, for example, a menu that allows the user to change the settings of the vehicle and check information related to the vehicle.

[0043] S230: The cursor is displayed as being positioned on the item to be operated on the menu screen displayed in S220. That is, a cursor for operating the screen is displayed on the monitor 303 on which the menu screen is displayed.

[0044] S240: If the dial operation device 305 is tilted in any direction of the cross, the process proceeds to S250. If the dial operation device 305 is not tilted, the process proceeds to END.

[0045] S250: The position of the cursor displayed in S230 moves in accordance with the direction in which the dial operation device 305 is tilted in S240. As described above, when the dial operation device 305 can be pressed down to move the cursor on the monitor 303 in the cross direction, rotation of the dial operation device 305 is disabled.

[0046] S260: If the dial operation device 305 is pressed, the process proceeds to S270. If the dial operation device 305 is not pressed, the process proceeds to END.

[0047] S270: The function assigned to the cursor position moved in S250 is executed. As an example, a transition is made to a screen for setting the function at the cursor position. Note that, as described above, by pressing the dial operation device 305 once and then pressing it again, the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is made valid.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a diagram that shows an example in which the monitor 303 displays information related to the basic functions of the shovel and a display in which the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is the engine speed adjustment function.

[0049] Next to display (design) 813 imitating dial operation device 305, there are displayed display 815 indicating that tilting dial operation device 305 to the right switches the rotation operation of dial operation device 305 to an audio volume adjustment function, and display 814 indicating that tilting dial operation device 305 to the left switches the rotation operation of dial operation device 305 to an air conditioner air volume adjustment function. Display 814 can also be used to switch the rotation operation of dial operation device 305 to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function by touching monitor 303. Display 815 can also be used to switch the rotation operation of dial operation device 305 to the audio volume adjustment function by touching monitor 303.

[0050] Design 813, which imitates dial operating device 305, displays design 820 indicating that an engine speed adjustment function has been assigned, and design 822 indicating the adjustment stage changes its display between display 821 indicating the minimum stage and display 823 indicating the maximum stage depending on the adjustment of the engine speed.

[0051] Displays 816 to 819 of the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 mimic the shapes of the buttons on the actual push button operation devices 306 to 309, and the functions are executed by pressing the push button operation devices 306 to 309 or touching the displays 816 to 819 on the monitor 303.

[0052] Functions are assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 according to the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 (here, the engine rotation speed adjustment function). The displays showing the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 are as follows: Display 816 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 306: Switching the travel speed mode of the lower traveling body 1e Display 818 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 307: Switching the operating speed of the upper rotating body 1d Display 817 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 308: Wiper function Display 819 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 309: Windshield washer function

[0053] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the monitor 303 displays information relating to the basic functions of the shovel and a display in which the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is an audio volume adjustment function.

[0054] Next to the display (design) 824 that resembles the dial operation device 305, there is arranged a display 825 that indicates that tilting the dial operation device 305 to the left will switch the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the engine speed adjustment function. The display 825 can also be used to switch the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the engine speed adjustment function by touching the monitor 303.

[0055] Design 824, which imitates dial operation device 305, displays design 830 indicating that an audio volume adjustment function has been assigned, and design 832 indicating the adjustment level changes between display 831 indicating the minimum level and display 833 indicating the maximum level according to the adjustment of the audio volume.

[0056] Displays 826 to 829 of the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 mimic the shapes of the buttons on the actual push button operation devices 306 to 309, and the functions are executed by pressing the push button operation devices 306 to 309 or touching the displays 826 to 829 on the monitor 303.

[0057] Functions are assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 according to the function (here, audio volume adjustment function) assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305. The displays showing the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 are as follows: Display 826 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 306: Switch to the radio station previous to the currently selected radio station Display 828 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 307: Switch to the radio station next to the currently selected radio station Display 827 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 308: Switch the audio source Display 829 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 309: Turn the audio power on and off

[0058] There are arranged an indicator 857 indicating whether the currently selected radio station is AM or FM, an indicator 858 indicating the frequency, and an indicator 859 indicating the current audio volume. These indicators are always displayed even if the function assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305 is other than the audio volume adjustment function.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the monitor 303 displays information relating to the basic functions of the shovel and a display in which the function assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305 is the air conditioner air volume adjustment function.

[0060] Next to the display (design) 834 that resembles the dial operation device 305, there is disposed a display 835 that indicates that tilting the dial operation device 305 to the right will switch the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the engine speed adjustment function. The display 835 can also be used to switch the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 to the engine speed adjustment function by touching the monitor 303.

[0061] Design 834, which resembles dial operation device 305, displays design 843 indicating that the air conditioner air volume adjustment function has been assigned, and design 845 indicating the adjustment stage changes between display 844 indicating the minimum stage and display 846 indicating the maximum stage depending on the adjustment of the air conditioner air volume.

[0062] Displays 839 to 842 of the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 mimic the shapes of the buttons on the actual push button operation devices 306 to 309, and the functions are executed by pressing the push button operation devices 306 to 309 or touching the displays 839 to 842 on the monitor 303.

[0063] Functions are assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 according to the function (here, the air conditioner air volume adjustment function) assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305. The displays showing the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 are as follows: Display 839 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 306: Turning the inside air recirculation on and off Display 841 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 307: Turning the automatic air conditioner on and off Display 840 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 308: Switching the air outlet Display 842 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 309: Turning the air conditioner power on and off

[0064] There are arranged display 836 showing the currently set temperature of the air conditioner, display 837 showing the status of the internal air circulation, the status of the air outlet, and the status of the automatic air conditioner, and display 838 showing the status of the current air volume setting of the air conditioner. These displays are always displayed even if the function assigned to the rotation of dial operation device 305 is other than the air volume adjustment function of the air conditioner.

[0065] 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a menu screen on which the basic functions of the shovel and the functions assigned to the cross-directional operations of the dial operation device 305 are displayed on the monitor 303, and which allows the user to set the functions of the shovel and view information, as an example of a display in which the functions assigned to the cross-directional operations of the dial operation device 305 are screen operation functions. When the cursor 853 is placed on attachment 848 of the menu items 847 to 852 and the dial operation device 305 is tilted up, the cursor 853 moves to warning list 847, and when the dial operation device 305 is tilted down, the cursor 853 moves to monitor settings 849. The functions of the menu items 847 to 852 displayed on the monitor 303 can also be executed by touching the monitor 303.

[0066] The design 854 imitating the dial operation device 305 includes a display showing that the dial operation device 305 can be tilted up and down as a screen operation function.

[0067] Functions are assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 309 according to the screen operation function assigned to the pressing operation of the dial operation device 305. The displays showing the functions assigned to the push button operation devices 306 to 307 are as follows: The functions are executed by pressing the push button operation devices 306 to 307 or by touching the displays 855 to 856 on the monitor 303. Display 855 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 306: Returns to the previous layer Display 856 showing the function assigned to the push button operation device 307: Switches to the home screen (the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is the engine rotation speed adjustment function)

[0068] [Effects of the Present Embodiment] When an operating device is used that can selectively assign, to a dial rotation operation, a function for adjusting the engine RPM and a screen operation function for performing operations according to a screen displayed on a monitor, as in the prior art, in order to adjust the audio volume after adjusting the engine RPM, the function assigned to the dial rotation operation must be switched to the screen operation function by some operation, and then the cursor must be moved to the audio volume adjustment function and the audio volume must be adjusted, making it difficult to adjust the audio volume immediately. On the other hand, when a dial operating device dedicated to the audio volume adjustment function is provided separately from the operating device of the prior art, after adjusting the engine RPM, the user must release their hand from the dial and then switch to the operating device for adjusting the audio volume to operate it, making it difficult to adjust the audio volume immediately.

[0069] [Effect 1] In contrast, in this embodiment, the function assigned to the rotation of the dial is switched from the engine rotation speed adjustment function to the audio volume adjustment function by simply tilting the dial operation device 305 once to the right without releasing the hand from the dial operation device 305. This makes it possible to instantly adjust the audio volume in response to changes in the way the audio volume sounds as a result of adjusting the engine rotation speed. Furthermore, after adjusting the audio volume, the assignment of the rotation of the dial can be switched back to the engine rotation speed adjustment function by simply tilting the dial operation device 305 once to the left, allowing work to be continued efficiently. Other effects according to this embodiment include the following effects 2 to 6.

[0070] [Effect 2] Along with engine RPM and audio volume, another function that is commonly and efficiently adjusted by rotating a dial is the air conditioner airflow adjustment function. However, the function assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305 can be switched from the engine RPM adjustment function to the air conditioner airflow adjustment function by simply tilting the dial operation device 305 to the left once, so that the air conditioner airflow can be adjusted efficiently.

[0071] [Effect 3] The engine speed adjustment function, which affects the efficiency of the work itself, is positioned between the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function as functions assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305 (see FIG. 5 ). Therefore, if the function assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305 during work is considered to be the engine speed adjustment function, the operator can efficiently adjust the audio volume and the air conditioner airflow, and at the same time, it is easy to remember how to switch between functions assigned to the rotation of the dial operation device 305.

[0072] [Effect 4] The monitor 303 displays the functions assigned to the rotation operations of the dial operation device 305 and the setting status of those functions (813, 824, 834). Therefore, while watching the monitor 303, it is possible to adjust the functions assigned to the rotation operations of the dial operation device 305, and at the same time, when it is necessary to check the safety of the surroundings, it is possible to instantly see the camera image 810.

[0073] [Effect 5] The operation device group 302 is provided with push button devices 306 to 309 near the dial operation device 305, to which functions are assigned according to the functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305, so that functions related to the functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 can be efficiently operated.

[0074] [Effect 6] The monitor 303 has a display that resembles the group of operation devices 302. Therefore, even if the dial operation device 305 and the push button operation devices 306 to 309 of the group of operation devices 302 are not printed with information indicating their functions, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the functions assigned to the dial operation device 305 and the push button operation devices 306 to 309.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the function assignment switching of the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305 is performed by operating the dial operation device 305 in a cross direction, but it may be performed by an operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial operation device 305. For example, it may be performed by accepting and operating in an I-shaped direction, a T-shaped direction, or an L-shaped direction depending on the number of functions. Also, in the above embodiment, the cross direction operation of the dial operation device 305 is performed by tilting (tilting) the dial operation device 305 up, down, left, or right, but it may also be performed by sliding it up, down, left, or right.

[0076] [Summary of this embodiment] As described above, the operation device 302 of this embodiment includes a dial (dial operation device 305) (installed in the cab of a work machine composed of an upper revolving body and a lower traveling body) that accepts a rotation operation and an operation in a direction different from the rotation operation (a cross direction), and a controller (operation device control device 400) that, when an operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial (a cross direction) is accepted, switches the function to be assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to a first adjustment function that is an engine rotation speed adjustment function that adjusts the engine rotation speed, and a second adjustment function that is at least one of an audio volume adjustment function that adjusts the volume of an audio system and an air conditioner airflow adjustment function that adjusts the airflow of an air conditioner (i.e., the engine rotation speed adjustment function and the audio volume adjustment function, the engine rotation speed adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function, or the engine rotation speed adjustment function, the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function), and exclusively assigns, to the rotation operation of the dial, one of the first adjustment function that is the engine rotation speed adjustment function and the second adjustment function that is at least one of the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function.

[0077] An operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotation operation is an operation of tilting or sliding the dial (in a cross direction). That is, when the controller (operation device control device 400) receives an operation of tilting or sliding the dial (in a cross direction), the controller switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial between a first adjustment function, which is the engine rotation speed adjustment function, and a second adjustment function, which is at least one of the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function.

[0078] In response to receiving an operation in a direction (cross direction) different from the rotation operation of the dial, the controller (control device 400 for operation device) switches the function to be assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to the engine speed adjustment function, the audio volume adjustment function, and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function, and exclusively assigns one of the engine speed adjustment function, the audio volume adjustment function, and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function to the rotation operation of the dial, and the order in which the functions to be assigned to the rotation operation of the dial are switched in response to receiving an operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial is such that the engine speed adjustment function is positioned between the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function.

[0079] When the rotation operation of the dial is assigned the engine speed adjustment function and the controller (control device 400 for operation device) receives an operation of the dial in one direction (tilt to the right) different from the rotation operation of the dial, the controller switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to the audio volume adjustment function, and when the rotation operation of the dial is assigned the engine speed adjustment function and the controller receives an operation of the dial in the opposite direction (tilt to the left) from the one direction, the controller switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function.

[0080] When the controller (control device 400 for operation device) receives an operation of the dial in one direction (tilt to the right) different from the rotation operation of the dial in a state in which the engine rotation speed adjustment function is assigned to the rotation operation of the dial, it switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to the audio volume adjustment function, and when the controller (control device 400) receives an operation of the dial in the opposite direction (tilt to the left) from the one direction in a state in which the audio volume adjustment function is assigned to the rotation operation of the dial, it switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial (to the audio volume adjustment function before switching to the audio volume adjustment function) ) the engine rotation speed adjustment function, and when the rotation operation of the dial is assigned to the engine rotation speed adjustment function and an operation of the dial in the opposite direction (tilting to the left) is received, the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial is switched to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function, and when the rotation operation of the dial is assigned to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function and an operation of the dial in one direction (tilting to the right) is received, the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial is switched to the engine rotation speed adjustment function (before switching to the air conditioner air volume adjustment function).

[0081] The controller (control device 400 for the operating device) assigns the function that was assigned to the rotation operation of the dial immediately before the engine was turned off to the rotation operation of the dial the next time the engine is started.

[0082] Near the dial, push buttons (push button operation devices 306 to 309) are arranged to which functions are assigned according to the functions assigned to the rotation operations of the dial.

[0083] The work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) of this embodiment also includes a work machine main body 1B, a work implement 1A attached to the work machine main body 1B and used to perform work, an engine that drives the work implement 1A, a cab 1f in which an operator sits, at least one of audio played in the cab 1f and an air conditioner that conditions the air in the cab 1f, a dial (dial operation device 305) that accepts rotational operation and operation in a direction different from the rotational operation (cross direction), and a function that is assigned to the rotational operation of the dial when an operation in a direction different from the rotational operation of the dial (cross direction) is accepted, the first adjustment function being an engine rotation speed adjustment function that adjusts the rotation speed of the engine, an audio volume adjustment function that adjusts the volume of the audio, or an air volume adjustment function that adjusts the air volume of the air conditioner. and a second adjustment function which is at least one of the functions of the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function (i.e., an engine rotation speed adjustment function and an audio volume adjustment function, an engine rotation speed adjustment function and an air conditioner air volume adjustment function, or an engine rotation speed adjustment function, an audio volume adjustment function and an air conditioner air volume adjustment function), and exclusively assigns, to the rotation operation of the dial, one of the first adjustment function which is the engine rotation speed adjustment function and the second adjustment function which is at least one of the functions of the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner air volume adjustment function; and a (touch-operable) monitor 303 which is arranged in the driver's cab 1f and displays the status of the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial.

[0084] Push buttons (push button operation devices 306 to 309) to which functions are assigned according to the functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial are arranged, and the monitor 303 displays the status of the functions assigned to the push buttons together with the status of the functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial.

[0085] An operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial is a cross-directional operation of the dial, and the cross-directional operation of the dial can be used for screen operation (cursor movement) within the monitor 303 in addition to switching the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial, and when the cross-directional operation of the dial can be used for screen operation (cursor movement) within the monitor 303, the rotation operation of the dial is disabled.

[0086] An operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial is a pressing operation of the dial, and by pressing the dial, the cross-directional operation of the dial can be used for screen operation (cursor movement) within the monitor 303, and the rotation operation of the dial is disabled.

[0087] By pressing the dial again after the pressing operation, the rotation operation of the dial is validated.

[0088] That is, the operating device 302 of this embodiment is, for example, a dial having a rotation mechanism and a mechanism that can be tilted in a cross direction, and the rotation operation of the dial can be exclusively assigned to an engine rotation speed adjustment function, an audio volume adjustment function, and an air conditioner air volume adjustment function, and when the engine rotation speed adjustment function (first adjustment function) is assigned to the rotation operation of the dial and the dial is tilted in one of the cross directions, the assignment of the rotation operation of the dial switches to the audio volume adjustment function or the air conditioner air volume adjustment function (second adjustment function), and when the audio volume adjustment function or the air conditioner air volume adjustment function (second adjustment function) is assigned to the rotation operation of the dial, the assignment of the rotation operation of the dial switches (returns) to the engine rotation speed adjustment function (first adjustment function) by tilting the dial in the opposite direction from when the engine rotation speed adjustment function (first adjustment function) was switched to the audio volume adjustment function or the air conditioner air volume adjustment function (second adjustment function).

[0089] According to this embodiment, even if the audible volume of the audio changes as a result of adjusting the engine speed during audio playback, the audio volume can be instantly adjusted.Alternatively, even if a request to adjust the airflow rate of the air conditioner occurs as a result of adjusting the engine speed while the air conditioner is operating, the airflow rate of the air conditioner can be instantly adjusted.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0091] Furthermore, the components of the control device 400 described above, as well as their functions and execution processes, may be partially or entirely implemented by hardware (for example, by designing logic for executing each function using an integrated circuit). The components of the control device 400 described above may also be implemented as a program (software) that is read and executed by an arithmetic processing device (for example, a CPU) to implement each function of the control device 400. Information related to the program can be stored in, for example, a semiconductor memory (flash memory, SSD, etc.), a magnetic storage device (hard disk drive, etc.), or a recording medium (magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.).

[0092] In addition, in the above description of the embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description of the embodiment, but they do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines related to the product. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are interconnected.

[0093] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Hydraulic excavator (work machine) 1A Work device 1B Vehicle body (work machine main body) 1a Boom 1b Arm 1c Bucket 1d Upper rotating body 1e Lower traveling body 1f Cab 2 Hydraulic pump 3a to 3f Hydraulic actuator 4a to 4f Operation lever device 5a to 5f Flow control valve 6 Relief valve 7 Control unit 301 Lever (safety device for enabling / disabling the operation of 4a to 4f) 302 Operation device group (operation device) 303 Monitor 304 Engine starter 305 Dial operation device (dial) 306 to 309 Push button operation device (push button) 400 Control device for operation device (controller) 401 Engine start control device 402 Input determination unit 403 Switch function allocation processing unit 404 Switch function allocation storage unit 405 Signal output unit 406 Display processing section

Claims

1. A dial that accepts rotational operation and operation in a direction other than rotation, The system includes a controller that switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to one of the following: an engine speed adjustment function for adjusting the engine speed, an audio volume adjustment function for adjusting the audio volume, and an air conditioner airflow adjustment function for adjusting the air conditioner airflow. The controller, upon receiving an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation, switches the function assigned to the rotational operation of the dial to the engine speed adjustment function, the audio volume adjustment function, and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function. An operating device characterized in that switching to the air conditioner airflow adjustment function or switching to the audio volume adjustment function is performed via the engine speed adjustment function.

2. In the operating device according to claim 1, An operating device characterized in that an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation is an operation of the dial in the tilting or sliding direction.

3. In the operating device according to claim 1, An operating device characterized in that, in response to receiving an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation, the order in which the functions assigned to the rotational operation of the dial are switched is such that the engine speed adjustment function is located between the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function.

4. (delete)

5. In the operating device according to claim 3, The aforementioned controller, When the rotation operation of the dial is assigned to the engine speed adjustment function, and a different directional operation from the rotation operation of the dial is received, the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial is switched to the audio volume adjustment function. When the rotation operation of the dial is assigned to the audio volume adjustment function, and the dial is operated in the opposite direction to the one direction, the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial is switched to the engine speed adjustment function. When the rotational operation of the dial is assigned to the engine speed adjustment function, and the dial is operated in the reverse direction, the function assigned to the rotational operation of the dial is switched to the air conditioner airflow adjustment function. An operating device characterized in that, when the rotation operation of the dial is assigned to the air conditioner airflow adjustment function, and the device receives a unidirectional operation of the dial, the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial is switched to the engine speed adjustment function.

6. In the operating device according to claim 1, The controller is an operating device characterized in that it assigns the function that was assigned to the rotation operation of the dial immediately before the engine was turned off to the rotation operation of the dial when the engine is started next time.

7. In the operating device according to claim 1, An operating device characterized in that a push-type button is arranged near the dial, the function to which the function is assigned according to the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial.

8. The main body of the work machine, A work device attached to the main body of the work machine and used to perform work, The engine that drives the aforementioned work device, The driver's cab where the operator sits, The audio played in the aforementioned driver's cab, The air conditioner that provides air conditioning for the driver's cab, A dial that accepts rotational operation and operation in a direction other than rotation, A controller that switches the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial to one of the following: an engine speed adjustment function for adjusting the engine speed, an audio volume adjustment function for adjusting the volume of the audio, and an air conditioner airflow adjustment function for adjusting the airflow of the air conditioner. The driver's cab is equipped with a monitor that displays the status of the function assigned to the rotation operation of the dial, The controller, upon receiving an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation, switches the function assigned to the rotational operation of the dial to the engine speed adjustment function, the audio volume adjustment function, and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function. In response to the reception of an operation in a direction different from the rotation operation of the dial, the order in which the functions assigned to the rotation operation of the dial are switched is such that the engine speed adjustment function is positioned between the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function. A work machine characterized in that the switching between the audio volume adjustment function and the air conditioner airflow adjustment function, or from the air conditioner airflow adjustment function to the audio volume adjustment function, is performed via the engine speed adjustment function.

9. In the work machine described in claim 8, A work machine characterized in that an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation is an operation of the dial in the cross direction, and the operation of the dial in the cross direction can be used for screen operation on the monitor in addition to the function switching operation assigned to the rotational operation of the dial, and when the operation of the dial in the cross direction can be used for screen operation on the monitor, the rotational operation of the dial is disabled.

10. In the work machine described in claim 9, A work machine characterized in that an operation of the dial in a direction different from the rotational operation is a pressing operation of the dial, and by pressing the dial, the cross-directional operation of the dial becomes available for screen operation on the monitor, and the rotational operation of the dial is disabled.

11. In the work machine according to claim 10, A work machine characterized in that the rotation operation of the dial is activated by pressing the dial again after the initial pressing operation.