Work machine

Abstract

Provided is a work machine including an input device to which a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned, for example, the work machine being capable of presenting information indicating a current function assignment without causing misidentification of an assigned function and without reducing visibility of other display information during work. This work machine comprises: an input device to which one of a plurality of functions can be selectively assigned; and a display device for displaying either a first display screen including current function assignment information of the input device or a second display screen not including current function assignment information of the input device. The control device performs control to execute processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated in a state where the first display screen is being displayed on the display device, and to switch the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing according to the current function assignment of the input device when the input device is operated in a state where the second display screen is being displayed on the display device.

Description

Work machinery

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

[0002] In work machines such as hydraulic excavators, a plurality of input devices are provided around the driver's seat for changing various settings of the work machine, such as engine speed, work mode, etc. In recent years, as work machines have become more multifunctional, the number of these input devices has tended to increase.

[0003] Increasing the number of input devices increases the number of parts, which leads to increased manufacturing costs. In addition, the operator must search for and operate the input device that corresponds to the desired function from among the many input devices, which increases the burden on the operator and may lead to reduced work efficiency.

[0004] To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 describes an input device that can selectively assign an engine operation function for adjusting the engine speed and a screen operation function for operating a screen displayed on a display unit. In this way, by consolidating multiple functions into a single input device, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts.

[0005] Furthermore, in the input device of Patent Document 1, when a function is assigned, information indicating the function assignment is displayed on the display unit temporarily or for the period of assignment, thereby enabling the operator to recognize the functions assigned to the input device.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-26000

[0007] However, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, when information indicating function assignment is temporarily displayed in response to the assignment of a function, the operator is unable to confirm the function assignment at the timing of operating the input device, and there is a possibility that the operator may operate the input device while misidentifying the assigned function.

[0008] On the other hand, if information indicating function assignment is displayed for the period during which any function is assigned, it will continue to take up space in the display area of ​​the display unit, which may reduce the visibility of other displayed information while working and reduce work efficiency.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine, for example, equipped with an input device to which multiple functions can be selectively assigned, that can present information indicating the current function assignment to the operator without causing the operator to mistakenly identify the assigned function and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a work machine according to the present invention is a work machine comprising an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned, a display device that switches between displaying a first display screen including setting information for the functions assigned to the input device and a second display screen that does not include setting information for the functions, and a control device that, when the input device receives an operation, executes control to execute processing corresponding to the functions assigned to the input device and control to control the display screen to be displayed on the display device, wherein the control device, when the first display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, executes processing corresponding to the functions assigned to the input device, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing corresponding to the functions assigned to the input device.

[0011] According to the present invention, information indicating the current function assignment can be presented to the operator without misidentifying the assigned functions and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of a driver's cab; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of a jog dial and four push buttons of an input device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing mode transitions of switches; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of functions assigned to each switch and their operation guide; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a touch monitor; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of this embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the processing flow of an operation processing unit; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the processing flow of an operation guide display determination unit;

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

[0014] An overview of a hydraulic excavator 1, an example of a work machine, is shown in Fig. 1. The hydraulic excavator 1 is composed of an articulated front working machine 1A consisting of a boom 1a, an arm 1b, and a bucket 1c, each of which rotates vertically, and a vehicle body 1B consisting of an upper rotating body 1d and a lower traveling body 1e. The upper rotating body 1d is attached to the top of the lower traveling body 1e so that it can rotate left and right. In addition, a driver's cab 1f is provided on the upper rotating body 1d.

[0015] The base end of the boom 1a of the front working implement 1A is supported on the front part of the upper rotating body 1d. The boom 1a, arm 1b, bucket 1c, upper rotating body 1d, and lower traveling body 1e are driven by actuators for a boom cylinder 2a, an arm cylinder 2b, a bucket cylinder 2c, a swing motor 3d, and left and right traveling motors 3e, 3f, respectively. Note that attitude sensors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are attached to each joint of the front working implement 1A and to the joint between the upper rotating body 1d and the lower traveling body 1e, and can detect the angle of each rotating part.

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

[0017] FIG. 2 shows the interior of the cab 1f. Electric control levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are installed in the cab 1f. The control levers 9a and 9b can be operated in four directions (front, back, left, and right) to operate the front work implement 1A and the upper rotating body 1d (the boom cylinder 2a, arm cylinder 2b, bucket cylinder 2c, and swing motor 3d that operate them). The control levers 9c and 9d can be operated in two directions (front, back, and right) to operate the left and right traveling motors 3e and 3f attached to the undercarriage 1e. When the shutoff lever 10 provided in the cab 1f is in the unlocked position, the amount of operation of each control lever is converted into control command values ​​for each actuator in the control device 11, and the electronically controlled valve 7 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil discharged in accordance with these control command values. A touch monitor 12 is mounted on the front right of the cab 1f, allowing the operator to check and change various settings of the hydraulic excavator 1 and display camera images captured by the cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c.

[0018] An input device 13 is also installed to the right of the driver's seat in the driver's cab 1f, and various settings related to the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated through the input device 13. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the input device 13. The input device 13 is composed of a jog dial 13a and four push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. The jog dial 13a has a mechanism that allows the dial portion to be rotated, pressed, and slid up, down, left, and right. The push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e have a mechanism that allows the button portion to be pressed. The input device 13 has a specification in which the state is managed in multiple modes, and the functions assigned to each switch differ depending on the selected mode.

[0019] 4 is a diagram showing a method for transitioning to each mode. In this embodiment, there are four modes: work mode 401, air conditioner mode 402, audio mode 403, and menu mode 404. When the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the work mode 401, the mode transitions to air conditioner mode 402. Conversely, when the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406, the mode transitions to audio mode 403. When the jog dial 13a is slid rightward 406 in the air conditioner mode 402, or when the jog dial 13a is slid leftward 405 in the audio mode 403, the mode transitions to work mode 401. When the jog dial 13a is pressed down 407 in any of the work mode 401, air conditioner mode 402, and audio mode 403, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 transitions to a menu screen, and the input device 13 transitions to menu mode 404 for performing screen operations.

[0020] 5 shows an example of the function allocation of the input device 13 in each mode and the display of the operation guide in each mode. The behavior of each switch is described in detail below.

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

[0022] Also, depending on the currently selected mode, the touch monitor 12 displays an operation guide as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 5. By checking this operation guide, the operator can recognize the function of each switch and perform the intended operation. Note that with regard to the menu mode 404, the operator can easily recognize that the input device 13 has transitioned to the menu mode 404 when the display screen of the touch monitor 12 transitions to the menu screen, so there is no need to display an operation guide.

[0023] Examples of function assignments to the switches of the input device 13 in each mode are described below.Work mode 401: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjusts engine rotation speed (401A, 401a) Jog dial 13a (pressing operation): Transitions to menu screen Jog dial 13a (sliding operation): Switches mode of input device 13 Push button 13b: Switches upper limit of travel speed of lower traveling body 1e (401B, 401b) Push button 13c: Switches upper limit of engine rotation speed (401C, 401c) Push button 13d: Switches wiper operation cycle (401D, 401d) Push button 13e: Sprays washer fluid (401E, 401e) Air conditioner mode 402: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjusts air volume (402A, 402a) Jog dial 13a (pressing operation): Transitions to menu screen Jog dial 13a (sliding operation): Switches mode of input device 13 Push button 13b: Turns on / off the recirculated air (402B, 402b) Push button 13c: Turns on / off the automatic air conditioner (402C, 402c) Push button 13d: Switches the air outlet (402D, 402d) Push button 13e: Turns on / off the air conditioner power (402E, 402e) Audio mode 403: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Adjusts the volume (403A, 403a) Jog dial 13a (pressing operation): Transitions to the menu screen Jog dial 13a (sliding operation): Switches the mode of the input device 13 Push button 13b: Switches to the previous channel (403B, 403b) Push button 13c: Switches to the next channel (403C, 403c) Push button 13d: Switches the audio source (403D, 403d) Push button 13e: Switches audio power ON / OFF (403E, 403E) Menu mode 404: Jog dial 13a (rotation operation): Moves focus within the screen (404A) Jog dial 13a (press operation): Confirm Jog dial 13a (slide operation): Moves focus within the screen (404A) Push button 13b: Return to previous screen (404B) Push button 13c: Return to basic screen (404C) Push button 13d: No assignment Push button 13e: No assignment.

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

[0025] The basic screen refers to a screen that is displayed while the hydraulic excavator 1 is in operation, and displays a fuel gauge 606, a water temperature gauge 607, and an overhead image 608 that is a composite of images captured by a camera, which are frequently checked during operation. The basic screen also includes a basic screen 600A that displays an operation guide 609 that shows the function allocation of the input device 13, and a basic screen 600B that does not display the operation guide 609.

[0026] 6, in the basic screen 600B where the operation guide 609 is not displayed, in addition to the overhead view image 608, a rear camera image 613 is displayed, and the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the basic screen 600B is larger than the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the basic screen 600A, making it easier to check the surrounding situation. In this way, when the operation guide 609 is not displayed, the area can be used to improve the visibility of existing display information or to add display information.

[0027] An example of a means for transitioning from the basic screen 600A on which the operation guide 609 is displayed to the basic screen 600B on which the operation guide 609 is not displayed is a tap operation on an operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A. Alternatively, a means may be provided that allows the operator to hide the operation guide 609 (transition to the basic screen 600B) at any timing using a swipe operation on the operation guide 609 or a setting operation in the menu screen 600C. Note that, as in the present embodiment, the display of information that is checked less frequently while driving, such as an air conditioner status display 610 (on the left side of the operation guide 609) and an audio status display 611 (on the right side of the operation guide 609), may be switched on or off in conjunction with the display or non-display of the operation guide 609.

[0028] On the other hand, the menu screen 600C allows various vehicle settings to be confirmed and changed through screen operations. FIG. 6 shows an example of the top menu screen immediately after transitioning to the menu screen 600C. When operating this screen, the focus 622 is moved to a predetermined icon among the multiple icons 614 to 621 lined up, and a confirmation operation by pressing the dial can be performed to transition to the next hierarchical screen. In this way, within the menu screen 600C, various settings can be confirmed and changed by operating the jog dial 13a or the push buttons 13b and 13c, etc., on the screen display.

[0029] The menu screen 600C may be designed to allow screen operation by touch operation in addition to screen operation by the input device 13. In this embodiment, all operation guides 609 in the menu screen 600C are hidden, but the menu screen 600C may be designed to partially display only specific operation guides, such as operations to return to the previous screen / return to the basic screen assigned to the push buttons 13b and 13c.

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

[0031] The operation possibility determination unit 701 detects the position of the shutoff lever 10 and determines whether or not the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated. When the shutoff lever 10 is in the locked position, the operation possibility determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body cannot be operated, and when the shutoff lever 10 is in the unlocked position, the operation possibility determination unit 701 determines that the vehicle body can be operated, and outputs the result.

[0032] The lever operation amount determination unit 702 determines the operation amount of each control lever in response to signals from the control levers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, and outputs the information. For example, the neutral position of the control lever is set to 0, the direction of operation is expressed as positive or negative, and the operation amount is expressed as 1 to 100, and the operation amount of each control lever is determined within the range of -100 to 100.

[0033] The control command value determination unit 703 determines a control command value for the electronically controlled valve 7 based on information such as the vehicle body operation status and the lever operation amount. The electronically controlled valve 7 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil discharged based on this control command value, and drives each actuator.

[0034] In addition, the vehicle setting management unit 704 also holds setting values ​​related to the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle, such as the driving mode and the work mode, and the control command value determination unit 703 determines the control command value taking into account this vehicle setting information.

[0035] The camera image acquisition unit 705 acquires image signals from the cameras 8 a , 8 b , and 8 c attached to the upper rotating body 1 d , corrects and synthesizes the images as necessary, and outputs the images to the display control unit 710 .

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

[0037] The operation processing unit 707 uses the operation information to perform various processes. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the operation processing unit 707. First, in step 707a, the operation processing unit 707 acquires operation information of the jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. Next, the processing proceeds to step 707b, where it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed. If none of the switches has been operated, the processing returns to step 707a, and operation information is acquired again.

[0038] If a switch operation has been performed in step 707b, the process proceeds to step 707c, where information on the display screen currently being displayed on the touch monitor 12 is obtained from the display control unit 710.

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

[0040] First, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide, the process proceeds to step 707e, where the current mode of the input device 13 and function assignment information for each switch are obtained from the function assignment management unit 708. The function assignment management unit 708 holds information on assignment of switch functions in each mode of the input device 13 and manages the currently selected mode. Next, in step 707f, a branch is made depending on the operation content. If the operation content in step 707f is a rotation operation of the jog dial 13a or a press operation of the push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e, the operation content corresponding to the current function assignment is determined in step 707g, and a request to change the vehicle setting is output to the vehicle setting management unit 704.

[0041] If the operation content is a pressing operation of the jog dial 13a in step 707f, the process proceeds to step 707h, where a request for transition to the menu screen 600C is output to the display control unit 710. Note that the process for transitioning to the menu screen 600C is a function common to the work mode 401, air conditioner mode 402, and audio mode 403, and therefore the process is executed regardless of the current function assignment.

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

[0043] In step 707d, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 707j. If the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the basic screen, it is highly likely that the operator does not recognize the functions of each switch. Therefore, in step 707j, processing corresponding to each switch operation (processing corresponding to the current function assignment of each switch) is not executed, and the processing of the operation processing unit 707 is terminated. At this time, the operation guide display determination unit 709 (described below) outputs an instruction to the display control unit 710 to display the operation guide 609 on the basic screen, and processing is executed to switch the display screen to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609. After the display screen has switched from the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600A that includes the operation guide 609, by operating the input device 13 again, the process proceeds from step 707d to step 707e, and processing according to the current function assignment of the input device 13 can be executed.

[0044] In addition, for functions common to all modes, such as the process of transitioning to menu screen 600C in step 707h, since there is a low possibility that the operator will misunderstand the function assignment, the specification may be such that the process can be executed even on basic screen 600B which does not include operation guide 609.

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

[0046] The processing for the operation of each switch described here is just an example, and the assignment of functions to each operation may be freely set, for example, by sliding the jog dial 13a up or down to change the mode of the input device 13, or by pressing the push button 13b to transition to the menu screen 600C.

[0047] Next, a description will be given of the processing of the manipulation guidance display determination unit 709. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the flow of processing in the manipulation guidance display determination unit 709.

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

[0049] In step 709b, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600B that does not include the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709c, where operation information of the input device 13 is acquired from the operation information acquisition unit 706. Thereafter, in step 709d, branching processing is performed depending on whether or not an operation has been performed. First, in step 709d, if the input device 13 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 709e, where an instruction to continue not to display the operation guide 609 is given to the display control unit 710.

[0050] On the other hand, if the input device 13 is operated in step 709d, the process proceeds to step 709f, where the display control unit 710 is instructed to display the operation guide 609. In this way, if the operation guide 609 is not displayed, processing is performed to display the operation guide 609 in response to any operation of the input device 13 (in other words, if any operation of the input device 13 is performed, the display screen of the touch monitor 12 is switched from the basic screen 600B, which does not include the operation guide 609, to the basic screen 600A, which includes the operation guide 609). This allows the operator to confirm the function assignment of each switch without requiring any special operation when attempting to operate the input device 13. Furthermore, if the operation guide 609 is not displayed, the operation processing unit 707 does not execute processing in response to the operation of the input device 13 (processing corresponding to the current function assignment of the input device 13) in step 707j. This prevents the operator from mistaking the function assigned to the input device 13 and setting the vehicle body incorrectly.

[0051] In addition, for functions common to all modes, such as the operation to transition to the menu screen 600C, the operator is unlikely to misunderstand the function assignment, so the operation guide 609 may be designed to remain hidden even if the input device 13 is operated in step 709d.

[0052] In step 709f, the display control unit 710 is instructed to display the operation guide 609, and then the process proceeds to step 709g, where the timer of the timer management unit 709h is reset. The timer management unit 709h counts the time during which the operation guide 609 is displayed and no operation of the input device 13 continues. Therefore, the timer is reset when the operation guide 609 is switched from hidden to displayed, or when an operation of the input device 13 is input.

[0053] In step 709b, if the currently displayed screen is the menu screen 600C, as described above, the operator can easily guess that the input device 13 can be used to operate the screen even without the operation guide 609, so the process proceeds to step 709e and an instruction is given to hide the operation guide 609.

[0054] In step 709b, if the current display screen is the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609, the process proceeds to step 709i in Fig. 10. In step 709i, operation information of the input device 13 is acquired from the operation information acquisition unit 706, and further, in step 709j, branching processing is performed depending on whether or not an operation has been performed. In step 709j, if an operation of the input device 13 has been performed, the process proceeds to steps 709f and 709g in Fig. 9, where an instruction to continue displaying the operation guide 609 is issued and processing to reset the timer of the timer management unit 709h is performed.

[0055] If there is no operation of the input device 13 in step 709j, the process proceeds to step 709k, where touch operation information of the touch monitor 12 is acquired. Thereafter, in step 709l, it is determined whether an operation to hide the operation guide 609, that is, a tap operation on the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, has been performed. If a tap operation on the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A has been performed, the operator indicates that they have determined that the operation guide 609 is unnecessary, so the process proceeds to step 709m, where an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output.

[0056] If no operation to hide the operation guide 609 has been performed in step 709l, then in step 709n, it is determined whether the timer of the timer management unit 709h has reached a predetermined time or more. If the predetermined time has elapsed in step 709n, the process proceeds to step 709m, where an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output. If the operation guide 609 is displayed and the input device 13 has not been operated for a predetermined time or more (if a certain period of time has passed without the input device 13 being operated), it can be determined that the operator has no intention of operating the input device 13. In such a case, by automatically hiding the operation guide 609 (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609), the operator does not need to operate the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, thereby enabling efficient work.

[0057] In step 709n, if the timer of timer management unit 709h has not reached the predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to step 709o, where the vehicle body's operation status is acquired and stored in vehicle body operation status storage unit 709p. Vehicle body operation status storage unit 709p holds the current operation status and the operation status at the time of the previous processing cycle, and in step 709q, the respective states are compared to determine whether the vehicle body has transitioned from an inoperable state to an operable state. If the vehicle body has transitioned from an inoperable state to an operable state in step 709q, an instruction to hide operation guide 609 is output in step 709m. At this time, it can be determined that the operator has moved the shut-off lever 10 to the unlock position, indicating his / her intention to start operating the hydraulic excavator 1, and therefore a process is performed to automatically hide the operation guide 609 (switching the display screen of the touch monitor 12 from the basic screen 600A including the operation guide 609 to the basic screen 600B not including the operation guide 609), thereby eliminating the need for the operator to operate the operation guide hide button 612 on the basic screen 600A, thereby enabling work to be performed more efficiently.

[0058] If there is no change in the vehicle body's operable / inoperable state in step 709q, the process proceeds to step 709r, where the operation state of the operation lever is acquired. In steps 709r and 709t, the lever operation state storage unit 709s determines whether the operation lever has transitioned from a non-operated state to an operated state, as in the above processing, and if the operation lever has transitioned from a non-operated state to an operated state, an instruction to hide the operation guide 609 is output in step 709m. On the other hand, if there is no change in the lever operation state in step 709t, the process proceeds to step 709u, where an instruction to continue displaying the operation guide 609 is output.

[0059] In this embodiment, the process of hiding the operation guide 609 is described based on the vehicle body's operable / inoperable state and the lever operation state, but conversely, the process may be such that the operation guide 609 is displayed when the vehicle body transitions to an inoperable state or when a certain time has passed since the operation lever transitioned to a non-operated state, that is, when a situation has arisen in which it is highly likely that the operator will operate the input device 13. By adding such a process, the operator is spared the trouble of operating the input device 13 once to display the operation guide 609, and therefore it becomes possible to more efficiently perform setting operations using the input device 13.

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

[0061] In this way, in this embodiment, based on the operation state of the input device 13 and various vehicle body states, it is determined whether or not the operator is in a situation where he or she needs the operation guide 609, and the operation guide 609 is displayed on the touch monitor 12 as necessary.

[0062] Furthermore, if the operation guide 609 is not displayed on the touch monitor 12, no processing is performed by operating the input device 13. This makes it possible to present the function allocation information of the input device 13 to the operator without causing the operator to operate the device while misidentifying the assigned function, and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0063] [Summary] As described above, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) of this embodiment comprises an input device 13 (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) to which a plurality of predetermined functions (related to work) can be selectively assigned (to which any one of a plurality of predetermined functions including a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the work machine can be selectively assigned), a display device (touch monitor 12) that switches between displaying a first display screen that includes setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13 and a second display screen that does not include setting information (operation guide 609) of the function assigned to the input device 13, and a display unit (operation information acquisition unit 706) that acquires operation information of the input device 13 and manages the function assignment of the input device 13 (function assignment management unit 708) and manages the operation information of the input device 13. In a work machine equipped with a control device (11) that, when an operation is received by the input device (13), performs control (operation processing unit 707) to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device (13) and control (display control unit 710) to control the display screen to be displayed on the display device, the control device (11) executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device (13) when the input device (13) receives an operation while the first display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12), and controls the display screen of the display device (touch monitor 12) to switch from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device (13), when the input device (13) receives an operation while the second display screen is displayed on the display device (touch monitor 12).

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

[0065] In addition, when a certain period of time has passed in which the input device 13 has not been operated, the control device 11 controls the display device to switch the display screen from the first display screen to the second display screen.

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

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

[0068] In addition, the work machine (hydraulic excavator 1) is equipped with cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c for photographing the surroundings of the work machine, and the first display screen and the second display screen display camera images photographed by the cameras 8a, 8b, and 8c, with the display area of ​​the camera images displayed on the second display screen being larger than the display area of ​​the camera images displayed on the first display screen.

[0069] Furthermore, the input device 13 is composed of a plurality of operation units (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e) to which the predetermined functions can each be assigned, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and a specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units accepts an operation, the control device 11 switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen, and the first display screen includes setting information for the function assigned to the specific operation unit as well as setting information for the function assigned to an operation unit among the plurality of operation units that is different from the specific operation unit.

[0070] Furthermore, when the input device 13 receives an operation while a screen operation function for operating the display screen displayed on the display device is assigned to the input device 13, the control device 11 executes screen operation processing in accordance with the current function assignment of the input device 13 in response to the operation of the input device 13, regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen.

[0071] The input device 13 also receives an operation for switching the functions assigned to the input device 13 and an operation for executing a process according to the functions assigned to the input device 13 .

[0072] The plurality of predetermined functions that can be assigned to the input device 13 include a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover (engine, motor, etc.) that drives the work machine, a function for adjusting the volume of the audio in the cab of the work machine, and a function for adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner in the cab of the work machine.

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

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

[0075] Furthermore, by controlling the display of the second display screen when the input device 13 has not been operated for a certain period of time, the second display screen is automatically displayed when the operator has finished operating the input device 13 and it is determined that the current function allocation information is no longer necessary, which saves the operator the trouble of switching to the second display screen and makes it possible to improve work efficiency.

[0076] Furthermore, by determining the operation state of the work machine and controlling the display of the second display screen when the work machine transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state, when the operator starts operating the work machine, that is, when the situation changes to one where there is little possibility of operating the input device 13, the second display screen is automatically displayed, improving the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information, making it possible to work efficiently.

[0077] Furthermore, by determining whether the work machine is in an operable state and controlling the display of the second display screen when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, when the operator is about to start operating the work machine, that is, when the situation has transitioned to one where it is unlikely that the operator will operate the input device 13, the second display screen is automatically displayed, improving the visibility of display information other than the current function allocation information, making it possible to work efficiently.

[0078] Furthermore, by making the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the second display screen larger than the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the first display screen, it becomes easier to see the situation around the work machine on the second display screen, which does not include current function allocation information, making it possible to work more efficiently.

[0079] Furthermore, when the input device 13 is configured with a plurality of operation units (jog dial 13a and push buttons 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e), when an operation is performed on any one of the operation units, the input device 13 is controlled to display a first display screen that also includes function allocation information for operation units different from the operated operation unit. This eliminates the need to switch function allocation information for each operation of each operation unit, so that when multiple operation units are operated consecutively, the number of operations on the input device 13 can be reduced, and the input device can be operated efficiently.

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

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present information indicating the current function assignment to the operator without misidentifying the assigned functions and without reducing the visibility of other displayed information during work.

[0082] In this embodiment, the operation of the present invention has been described using a hydraulic excavator as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention is not limited to an embodiment having all of the configurations described in the above embodiment, and also includes an embodiment in which some of the configurations are omitted.

[0083] Furthermore, the components of the control device 11, as well as their functions and execution processes, may be partially or entirely implemented by hardware (e.g., by designing logic for executing each function using an integrated circuit). The components of the control device 11 may also be implemented as a program (software) that is read and executed by an arithmetic processing device (e.g., a CPU) to implement each function of the control device. Information related to the program may 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.).

[0084] 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.

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

Claims

1. A work machine equipped with an input device to which a plurality of predetermined functions can be selectively assigned; a display device which switches between a first display screen including setting information for the function assigned to the input device and a second display screen not including setting information for the function; and a control device which, when the input device receives an operation, controls the execution of a process corresponding to the function assigned to the input device and the control of the display screen to be displayed on the display device, wherein the control device, when the first display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the input device, and when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and the input device receives an operation, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen without executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the input device.

2. A work machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of predetermined functions that can be assigned to the input device include a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover that drives the work machine.

3. A work machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a switching unit for selectively switching the display screen of said display device between said first display screen and said second display screen.

4. A work machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls the display device to switch the display screen from the first display screen to the second display screen when a certain period of time has elapsed during which the input device has not been operated.

5. A work machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control device determines whether the work machine is in an operable state, and when the work machine transitions from an inoperable state to an operable state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

6. A work machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the control device determines the operation state of the work machine, and when the work machine transitions from a non-operational state to an operation state, controls the display screen of the display device to be switched from the first display screen to the second display screen.

7. A work machine as described in claim 1, further comprising a camera for photographing the surroundings of the work machine, the first display screen and the second display screen display camera images photographed by the camera, and the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the second display screen is larger than the display area of ​​the camera image displayed on the first display screen.

8. A work machine as described in claim 1, wherein the input device is composed of a plurality of operation units to which the predetermined functions can each be assigned, and the control device, when the second display screen is displayed on the display device and a specific operation unit among the plurality of operation units accepts an operation, switches the display screen of the display device from the second display screen to the first display screen, and the first display screen includes setting information for the function assigned to the specific operation unit as well as setting information for the function assigned to an operation unit among the plurality of operation units other than the specific operation unit.

9. A work machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that when a screen operation function for operating a display screen displayed on the display device is assigned to the input device, the control device executes screen operation processing when the input device accepts an operation, regardless of whether the display screen of the display device is the first display screen or the second display screen.

10. A work machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the input device accepts an operation for switching between functions assigned to the input device and an operation for executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the input device.

11. A work machine as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of predetermined functions that can be assigned to the input device include a function for adjusting the rotation speed of a prime mover that drives the work machine, a function for adjusting the volume of an audio system in the cab of the work machine, and a function for adjusting the air volume of an air conditioner in the cab of the work machine.

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