Work machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a work machine comprising a traveling body, a slewing body, work equipment, a first daytime running light, and a controller. The slewing body is disposed on the traveling body and is capable of slewing with respect to the traveling body. The work equipment is movably mounted on the slewing body. The first daytime running light is disposed on the slewing body and is capable of selectively emitting light of different colors. The controller is capable of enabling and disabling a designated monitoring function for monitoring the work equipment. The controller causes the first daytime running light to emit light of different colors depending on whether the designated monitoring function is enabled or disabled.

Description

Work machinery

[0001] The present disclosure relates to work machines.

[0002] Some work machines are equipped with a predetermined monitoring function. For example, the work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a perimeter monitoring mode. The work machine's controller monitors the presence of people or objects around the work machine using the perimeter monitoring mode. The controller can switch the perimeter monitoring mode between enabled and disabled. For example, the operator of the work machine operates an input device such as a switch, causing the controller to switch the perimeter monitoring mode between enabled and disabled. When the perimeter monitoring mode is enabled, if the controller detects the presence of people or objects around the work machine, the controller outputs an alert to the operator of the work machine.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-045973

[0004] Some work machines are equipped with a warning light that indicates whether a predetermined monitoring function such as that described above is disabled or enabled. The warning light is disposed exposed on the outside of the work machine. The warning light is, for example, a rotating light. A controller switches the warning light on and off depending on whether the monitoring function is disabled or enabled. This allows a person outside the work machine to know whether the monitoring function is disabled or enabled in the work machine. However, it is desirable to further improve the ease with which a monitoring function can be distinguished between enabled and disabled in a work machine. An object of the present disclosure is to improve the ease with which a predetermined monitoring function can be distinguished between enabled and disabled in a work machine.

[0005] A work machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a traveling body, a revolving body, a working implement, a first daylight, and a controller. The revolving body is disposed on the traveling body and is revolvable relative to the traveling body. The working implement is operably attached to the revolving body. The first daylight is disposed on the revolving body and is capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of different colors. The controller is capable of switching between enabling and disabling a predetermined monitoring function of the work machine. The controller causes the first daylight to emit light in a different color depending on whether the predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled.

[0006] A method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for controlling a work machine. The work machine includes a traveling body, a rotating body, a work implement, and a first daylight. The rotating body is disposed on the traveling body and is rotatable relative to the traveling body. The work implement is operably attached to the rotating body. The first daylight is disposed on the rotating body and is capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of different colors. The method includes switching between enabling and disabling a predetermined monitoring function of the work machine, and causing the first daylight to emit light in different colors when the predetermined monitoring function is enabled and when it is disabled.

[0007] In the work machine according to the present disclosure, the first daylight is lit or flashes in a different color depending on whether the predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled, thereby improving the ease of distinguishing whether the predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a work machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotating body. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the rotating body. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the rotating body. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the rotating body. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for a work machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display when a perimeter monitoring mode is enabled. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display when a load monitoring mode is enabled. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of daylight control by a controller. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of daylight control by a controller. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of daylight control by a controller. FIG. 13 is a table showing daylight emission patterns. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing daylight emission patterns.

[0009] A work machine according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a side view of a work machine 1. In this embodiment, the work machine 1 is an excavator such as a hydraulic excavator or an electric excavator.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 , the work machine 1 includes a work implement 3, a rotating bed 4, and a running bed 5. The work implement 3 is movably attached to the rotating bed 4. The rotating bed 4 is disposed on the running bed 5. The rotating bed 4 is capable of rotating relative to the running bed 5. The rotating bed 4 includes a cab 6 and a rear vehicle body 7. A driver's seat (not shown) and an operating device (described later) are disposed within the cab 6. The rear vehicle body 7 is disposed behind the cab 6. The running bed 5 includes tracks 8. Note that only one of the left and right tracks 8 is shown in FIG. 1 . The work machine 1 travels when the tracks 8 are driven.

[0011] The work implement 3 is attached to the rotating unit 4 so as to be movable up and down. The work implement 3 includes a boom 11, an arm 12, and a bucket 13. The boom 11 is rotatably attached to the rotating unit 4. The arm 12 is rotatably attached to the boom 11. The bucket 13 is rotatably attached to the arm 12.

[0012] The work implement 3 includes a boom cylinder 14, an arm cylinder 15, and a bucket cylinder 16. The boom cylinder 14, the arm cylinder 15, and the bucket cylinder 16 are, for example, hydraulic cylinders. The boom cylinder 14 operates the boom 11. The arm cylinder 15 operates the arm 12. The bucket cylinder 16 operates the bucket 13.

[0013] The work implement 3 includes a lifting hook 17. The lifting hook 17 is used when the work machine 1 performs crane work. During crane work, a load is suspended from the lifting hook 17 via a member such as a wire. The lifting hook 17 is attached to a bucket link 19. The lifting hook 17 may be retractable within the work implement 3. Alternatively, the lifting hook 17 may be detachable from the work implement 3.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotating bed 4. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the rotating bed 4. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the rotating bed 4. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the rotating bed 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the work machine 1 includes work lights 21-24. The work lights 21-24 are arranged on the rotating bed 4. The work lights 21-24 include, for example, LEDs. Alternatively, the work lights 21-24 may include light bulbs. The work lights 21-24 include a front work light 21, a left work light 22, a right work light 23, and a rear work light 24.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the front work light 21 is disposed on the front of the cab 6. The front work light 21 is disposed facing forward and emits light toward the front of the rotating unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3 , the left work light 22 is disposed on the left side of the rear vehicle body 7. The left work light 22 is disposed facing leftward and emits light toward the left side of the rotating unit 4. As shown in FIG. 4 , the right work light 23 is disposed on the right side of the rear vehicle body 7. The right work light 23 is disposed facing rightward and emits light toward the right side of the rotating unit 4. As shown in FIG. 5 , the rear work light 24 is disposed on the rear of the rear vehicle body 7. The rear work light 24 is disposed facing rearward and emits light toward the rear of the rotating unit 4.

[0016] The work machine 1 includes daylights 25-27. The daylights 25-27 are arranged on the rotating bed 4. The daylights 25-27 each include, for example, an LED. Each of the daylights 25-27 is capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of colors. The daylights 25-27 include a first daylight 25, a second daylight 26, and a third daylight 27.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the first daylight 25 is disposed on the front of the cab 6. The first daylight 25 is disposed facing forward and emits light toward the front of the revolving unit 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the second daylight 26 is disposed on the left side surface of the rear vehicle body 7. The second daylight 26 is disposed facing leftward and emits light toward the left side of the revolving unit 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the third daylight 27 is disposed on the right side surface of the rear vehicle body 7. The third daylight 27 is disposed facing rightward and emits light toward the right side of the revolving unit 4.

[0018] The work machine 1 is equipped with cameras 31-34. The cameras 31-34 capture images of the surroundings of the work machine 1. The cameras 31-34 are disposed on the revolving unit 4. The cameras 31-34 include a first camera 31, a second camera 32, a third camera 33, and a fourth camera 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the first camera 31 is disposed on the left side of the rear body 7. The first camera 31 is disposed facing left and captures images of the left side of the revolving unit 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the second camera 32 is disposed on the right side of the rear body 7. The second camera 32 is disposed facing right and captures images of the right side of the revolving unit 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the third camera 33 is disposed on the rear of the rear body 7. The third camera 33 is disposed facing rearward and captures images of the area behind the revolving unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth camera 34 is disposed in front of the cab 6. The fourth camera 34 is positioned facing forward and captures an image of the area in front of the revolving unit 4 .

[0019] 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the control system of the work machine 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the work machine 1 includes a drive source 41, a hydraulic pump 42, a power transmission device 43, and a controller 44. The drive source 41 is controlled by a command signal from the controller 44. The drive source 41 is, for example, an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the drive source 41 may include other drive sources such as an electric motor or a hydrogen engine. The hydraulic pump 42 is driven by the drive source 41 and discharges hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 42 is supplied to the boom cylinder 14, the arm cylinder 15, and the bucket cylinder 16.

[0020] The work machine 1 includes a swing motor 18. The swing motor 18 is, for example, a hydraulic motor. The swing motor 18 is driven by hydraulic oil from a hydraulic pump 42. Alternatively, the swing motor 18 may be an electric motor. The swing motor 18 swings the swing body 4. The hydraulic pump 42 is a variable displacement pump. A pump control device 45 is connected to the hydraulic pump 42. The pump control device 45 controls the tilt angle of the hydraulic pump 42. The pump control device 45 includes, for example, a solenoid valve, and is controlled by a command signal from a controller 44. The controller 44 controls the displacement of the hydraulic pump 42 by controlling the pump control device 45. Note that although one hydraulic pump is shown in FIG. 6 , multiple hydraulic pumps may be provided.

[0021] The work machine 1 includes a control valve 46. The hydraulic pump 42, the cylinders 14-16, and the swing motor 18 are connected by a hydraulic circuit via the control valve 46. The control valve 46 is controlled by a command signal from a controller 44. The control valve 46 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 42 to the cylinders 14-16 and the swing motor 18. The controller 44 controls the operation of the work machine 3 by controlling the control valve 46. The controller 44 controls the swing of the swing body 4 by controlling the control valve 46. It should be noted that the cylinders 14-16 are not limited to hydraulic cylinders, and may be mechanical cylinders driven by an electric motor.

[0022] The power transmission device 43 transmits the driving force of the drive source 41 to the traveling body 5. The crawler 8 is driven by the driving force from the power transmission device 43 to travel the work machine 1. The power transmission device 43 may be, for example, a torque converter or a transmission having a plurality of speed change gears. Alternatively, the power transmission device 43 may be another type of transmission such as an HST (Hydro Static Transmission) or an HMT (Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission).

[0023] The controller 44 includes a processor 47 such as a CPU, and a storage device 48. The processor 47 performs processing for controlling the work machine 1. The storage device 48 includes memory such as RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 48 stores data and programs for controlling the work machine 1.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7 , the control system includes a start switch 51, operating devices 52-54, an input device 55, and a display 56. The start switch 51, operating devices 52-54, input device 55, and display 56 are arranged in the cab 6. The start switch 51 can be operated by an operator. The start switch 51 is, for example, a key switch, and can be operated between an off position and an on position. When the start switch 51 is in the on position, the electrical system of the work machine 1 is started. The start switch 51 outputs an on signal to the controller 44 in response to operation by the operator. The start switch 51 may also be operable to an engine start position. If the drive source 41 is an internal combustion engine, the engine may be started by operating the start switch 51 to the engine start position. Alternatively, the start switch 51 may be an engine start switch. Alternatively, if the drive source 41 is an electric motor, the start switch 51 may be a power switch.

[0025] The operation devices 52-54 can be operated by an operator. The operation devices 52-54 include, for example, levers, pedals, or switches. The operation devices 52-54 output operation signals according to operations by the operator to the controller 44. The operation devices 52-54 include a travel operation device 52, a swing operation device 53, and a work machine operation device 54.

[0026] The controller 44 controls the drive source 41 and the power transmission device 43 in response to the operator's operation of the travel operation device 52 so as to travel the work machine 1. The controller 44 controls the control valve 46 in response to the operator's operation of the swing operation device 53 so as to swing the swing body 4. The controller 44 controls the control valve 46 in response to the operator's operation of the work implement operation device 54 so as to operate the work implement 3.

[0027] The input device 55 can be operated by an operator. The input device 55 includes a touch screen. However, the input device 55 may also include hardware keys or switches. The operator operates the input device 55 to input settings for controlling the work machine 1. The input device 55 outputs an input signal corresponding to the operator's operation to the controller 44. The display 56 is, for example, an LCD, an OELD, or another type of display. The display 56 displays a screen corresponding to a display signal from the controller 44.

[0028] The work machine 1 includes a work light switch 57. The work light switch 57 can be operated by an operator. The controller receives a signal indicating the operation of the work light switch 57. In response to the operation of the work light switch 57, the controller switches the front work light 21, the left work light 22, the right work light 23, and the rear work light 24 between on and off.

[0029] The work machine 1 includes an attitude sensor 58. The attitude sensor 58 detects the attitude of the work implement 3. The attitude sensor 58 outputs an attitude signal indicating the attitude of the work implement 3 to the controller 44. The attitude sensor 58 is, for example, a sensor that detects the stroke length of the cylinders 14-16. The controller 44 may calculate the respective rotation angles of the boom 11, arm 12, and bucket 13 from the stroke length of the cylinders 14-16. Alternatively, the attitude sensor 58 may be an angle sensor that directly detects the respective rotation angles of the boom 11, arm 12, and bucket 13.

[0030] The work machine 1 includes a first sensor 61 and a second sensor 62. The first sensor 61 detects the load on the work implement 3. The first sensor 61 outputs a load signal indicating the load on the work implement 3 to the controller 44. The first sensor 61 is, for example, a pressure sensor, and detects the hydraulic pressure of the cylinders 14-16. The controller 44 calculates the load on the work implement 3 as the load on the work implement 3, based on the hydraulic pressure of the cylinders 14-16.

[0031] The second sensor 62 detects the presence of people or objects in the vicinity of the work machine 1. The second sensor 62 includes the above-mentioned first camera 31, second camera 32, third camera 33, and fourth camera 34. The second sensor 62 outputs image data indicating images of the vicinity of the work machine 1 taken by the first camera 31, second camera 32, third camera 33, and fourth camera 34 to the controller 44.

[0032] The controller 44 executes processing for a predetermined monitoring function of the work machine 1 based on the load signal from the first sensor 61 and the image data from the second sensor 62. The predetermined monitoring function includes a periphery monitoring mode and a load monitoring mode.

[0033] In the periphery monitoring mode, the controller 44 monitors the presence of people or objects in the periphery of the work machine 1. In the periphery monitoring mode, the controller 44 monitors the presence of people or objects in the periphery of the work machine 1 based on image data from the second sensor 62. For example, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 63 of the display 56 when the periphery monitoring mode is active.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the display screen 63 in the periphery monitoring mode includes an overhead image 64 showing the work machine 1 and its surroundings. The controller 44 generates the overhead image 64 based on image data from the second sensor 62 and displays it on the display screen 63. Note that the display screen 63 in the periphery monitoring mode is not limited to the one described above and may be changed. For example, the controller 44 may display images captured by each of the first camera 31, the second camera 32, the third camera 33, and the fourth camera 34 on the display screen 63.

[0035] The controller 44 also analyzes image data from the second sensor 62 to detect people or objects in the vicinity of the work machine 1. If a person or object is detected in the vicinity of the work machine 1, the controller 44 outputs an alert to the operator. For example, an icon 65 indicating an alert may be displayed on the display screen 63 of the display 56. Alternatively, the alert may be output by lighting a lamp provided in the cab 6 or by sound from a speaker. Alternatively, if a person or object is detected in the vicinity of the work machine 1, the controller 44 may control the work implement 3, the rotating unit 4, or the traveling unit 5 so as to restrict the operation of the work machine 1.

[0036] In the load monitoring mode, the controller 44 monitors the load on the work machine 3 during crane operation. In the load monitoring mode, the controller 44 monitors the load on the work machine 3 based on a load signal from the first sensor 61. For example, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 66 of the display 56 when the load monitoring mode is active.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9 , the display screen 66 in the load monitoring mode includes an actual load display 67. The actual load display 67 indicates the magnitude of the actual load applied to the work implement 3. The controller 44 calculates the actual load based on the load signal from the first sensor 61, and displays the actual load display 67 on the display screen 66. The display screen 66 in the load monitoring mode also includes a rated load display 68. The rated load indicates the upper limit of the load that the work machine 1 can place on the work implement 3. The rated load changes depending on the attitude of the work implement 3. The controller 44 calculates the rated load based on the attitude signal from the attitude sensor 58, and displays the rated load display 68 on the display screen 66. The display screen 66 in the load monitoring mode also includes a load factor display 69. The load factor indicates the ratio of the actual load to the rated load. The controller 44 calculates the load factor from the actual load and the rated load, and displays the load factor display 69 on the display screen 66. Note that the display screen 66 in the load monitoring mode is not limited to the one described above, and may be changed.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller 44 outputs an alarm to the operator when the actual load or the load factor exceeds a predetermined threshold. The alarm is displayed, for example, on the display screen 66 of the display 56. Alternatively, the alarm may be output by lighting a lamp provided in the cab 6 or by sound from a speaker.

[0039] The controller 44 can switch between enabling and disabling the periphery monitoring mode in response to an operator's operation via the input device 55. The controller 44 can switch between enabling and disabling the load monitoring mode in response to an operator's operation via the input device 55. The controller 44 also causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to emit light in different colors depending on whether the above-mentioned monitoring function is enabled or disabled. Control of the daytime running lights 25-27 by the controller 44 will be described below.

[0040] 10 to 12 are flowcharts showing the process of controlling the daytime running lights 25-27 by the controller 44. FIG. 13 is a table showing the light emission patterns of the daytime running lights 25-27. As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 44 determines whether or not an ON signal is present. If there is no ON signal, i.e., if the activation switch 51 is in the OFF position, the daytime running lights 25-27 are turned off in step S102. If there is an ON signal, i.e., if the activation switch 51 is in the ON position, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0041] In step S103, the controller 44 determines whether the load monitoring mode is enabled. If the load monitoring mode is disabled, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the controller 44 determines whether the periphery monitoring mode is enabled. If the periphery monitoring mode is disabled, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0042] In step S105, the controller 44 determines whether the daylight setting is enabled. The controller 44 can switch the daylights 25-27 between on and off in response to an operator's operation of the input device 55. If the daylight setting is disabled, the controller 44 turns off the daylights 25-27 in step S106. If the daylight setting is enabled, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0043] In step S107, the controller 44 determines whether the rotating body 4 is rotating. The controller 44 determines whether the rotating body 4 is rotating, for example, based on the operation of the rotation operation device 53. If the rotating body 4 is not rotating, that is, if the rotating body 4 is stopped, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0044] In step S108, the controller 44 determines whether the running object 5 is running. The controller 44 determines whether the running object 5 is running, for example, based on the operation of the running operation device 52. If the running object 5 is not running, in step S109, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to be constantly lit in the first color C1. The first color C1 is, for example, white. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the light emission patterns of the daytime running lights 25-27. As shown in FIG. 14, in the constantly lit state, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to be continuously lit.

[0045] As described above, when the start switch 51 is in the OFF position, the daytime running lights 25-27 are turned off. When the start switch 51 is in the ON position, all monitoring functions are disabled, and the revolving unit 4 and the running unit 5 are stopped, the controller 44 keeps the daytime running lights 25-27 illuminated in the first color C1. However, when the daytime running light setting is disabled, the controller 44 turns off the daytime running lights 25-27 even when the start switch 51 is in the ON position.

[0046] 10, if the revolving unit 4 is revolving in step S107, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the first color C1 and in a flashing pattern A in step S110. Also, if the running unit 5 is running in step S108, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the first color C1 and in a flashing pattern A in step S110. As shown in Fig. 14, in the flashing pattern A, the daylights 25-27 are repeatedly turned on for a time T1a and turned off for a time T2a.

[0047] As described above, when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, all monitoring functions are disabled, and the revolving unit 4 is revolving or the traveling unit 5 is traveling, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the first color C1 and in the flashing pattern A. That is, when the revolving unit 4 is revolving, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to emit light in a pattern different from when the revolving unit 4 is stopped. Furthermore, when the traveling unit 5 is traveling, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to emit light in a pattern different from when the work machine 1 is stopped.

[0048] If the perimeter monitoring mode is enabled in step S104, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to flash in a fourth color C4 and in a flashing pattern B in step S111. The fourth color C4 is a color different from the first color C1. The fourth color C4 is, for example, green.

[0049] As described above, when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, the load monitoring mode is disabled, the periphery monitoring mode is enabled, and the rotating unit 4 and the running unit 5 are stopped, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the fourth color C4 and in the flashing pattern B. Note that, even when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, the load monitoring mode is disabled, the periphery monitoring mode is enabled, and the rotating unit 4 is rotating or the running unit 5 is running, the controller 44 also causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the fourth color C4 and in the flashing pattern B.

[0050] If the load monitoring mode is enabled in step S103, the process proceeds to step S201 shown in Fig. 11. In step S201, the controller 44 determines whether the periphery monitoring mode is enabled. If the periphery monitoring mode is disabled, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0051] In step S202, the controller 44 determines whether the load on the work machine 3 is light. For example, when the actual load on the work machine 3 is equal to or less than a first threshold, the controller 44 determines that the load on the work machine 3 is light. If the load on the work machine 3 is light, in step S203, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to flash in the fourth color C4 and in the flashing pattern B.

[0052] The blinking pattern B is a different pattern from the blinking pattern A. As shown in FIG. 14 , in the blinking pattern B, the daylights 25-27 are alternately turned on for a time T1b and turned off for a time T2b. The light-emitting time T1b in the blinking pattern B is different from the light-emitting time T1a in the blinking pattern A. Furthermore, the light-off time T2b in the blinking pattern B is different from the light-off time T2a in the blinking pattern A. Alternatively, only one of the light-emitting time and the light-off time may be different.

[0053] If the load on the work machine 3 is not a light load in step S202, the processing proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the controller 44 determines whether the load on the work machine 3 is a medium load. For example, the controller 44 determines that the load on the work machine 3 is a medium load when the actual load on the work machine 3 is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value. If the load on the work machine 3 is a medium load, in step S205, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to flash in a third color C3 and in a flashing pattern B. The third color C3 is different from the first color C1 and the fourth color C4. The third color C3 is, for example, orange.

[0054] If the load on the work machine 3 is not a medium load in step S204, the process proceeds to step S206. That is, if the load on the work machine 3 is greater than the second threshold value and the load on the work machine 3 is a high load, in step S206 the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to flash in a second color C2 and in a flashing pattern B. The second color C2 is different from the first color C1, the third color C3, and the fourth color C4. The second color C2 is, for example, red.

[0055] As described above, when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, the load monitoring mode is enabled, the periphery monitoring mode is disabled, and the rotating unit 4 and the traveling unit 5 are stopped, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the flashing pattern B. The controller 44 also causes the daylights 25-27 to emit light in different colors depending on the load on the work implement 3. Note that, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, the periphery monitoring mode is disabled, the load monitoring mode is enabled, and the rotating unit 4 is rotating or the traveling unit 5 is traveling, the controller 44 also causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the flashing pattern B and emit light in different colors depending on the load on the work implement 3.

[0056] If the periphery monitoring mode is enabled in step S201, the process proceeds to step S301 shown in Fig. 12. Steps S301 and S302 are similar to steps S202 and S204, respectively. That is, the controller 44 determines whether the load on the work machine 3 is a high load, a medium load, or a light load through the processes of steps S301 and S302.

[0057] If the load on the work machine 3 is high, in step S303, the controller 44 causes the daytime running lights 25-27 to alternately illuminate between the fourth color C4 and the second color C2 in a blinking pattern C. The fourth color C4 indicates that the perimeter monitoring mode is enabled. The second color C2 indicates that the load monitoring mode is enabled and that the load on the work machine 3 is high.

[0058] The blinking pattern C is different from the blinking patterns A and B. As shown in Fig. 14, in the blinking pattern C, the daylights 25-27 are repeatedly illuminated in the second color C2 for a time T1c, turned off for a time T2c, illuminated for a time T3c, and turned off for a time T4c, and the daylights 25-27 are repeatedly illuminated in the fourth color C4 for a time T1c, turned off for a time T2c, illuminated for a time T3c, and turned off for a time T4c. The period T4c during which the light is turned off while the color is changed is longer than the period T2c during which the same color is illuminated.

[0059] If the load on the work machine 3 is medium, in step S304 the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to emit light in a blinking C pattern, alternating between the fourth color C4 and the third color C3. The third color C3 indicates that the load monitoring mode is enabled and that the load on the work machine 3 is medium. If the load on the work machine 3 is light, in step S305 the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to emit light in a blinking C pattern, alternating between the fourth color C4 and the third color C4. The fourth color C4 indicates that the perimeter monitoring mode is enabled, the load monitoring mode is enabled, and the load on the work machine 3 is light.

[0060] As described above, when the start switch 51 is in the ON position, the load monitoring mode is enabled, the periphery monitoring mode is enabled, and the rotating unit 4 and the traveling unit 5 are stopped, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to flash in the flashing pattern C. In addition, the controller 44 causes the daylights 25-27 to alternately emit light between the fourth color C4 indicating that the periphery monitoring mode is enabled and a color corresponding to the load on the work implement 3.

[0061] In the work machine 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the daylights 25-27 are lit in different colors depending on whether a predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled. This improves the ability to distinguish whether a predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled. Furthermore, the daylights 25-27 are used as warning lights to indicate whether a predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled. This prevents increases in manufacturing costs or increases in the size of the work machine 1 compared to when a separate warning light is added.

[0062] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0063] The configuration of the work machine 1 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. The arrangement of the daylights 25-27 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. For example, the first daylight 25 may be disposed in the rear body 7. The second daylight 26 and the third daylight 27 may be provided in the cab 6. The number of daylights 25-27 is not limited to three and may be less than three or more than three.

[0064] The first to fourth colors C1-C4 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment and may be changed. The number of colors that the daylights 25-27 can emit is not limited to four and may be less than four or more than four. The light emission pattern of the daylights 25-27 is not limited to those in the above-described embodiment and may be changed. For example, a constant light may be used instead of a flashing light.

[0065] The predetermined monitoring function is not limited to the periphery monitoring mode and the load monitoring mode, but may include other monitoring modes. Either the periphery monitoring mode or the load monitoring mode may be omitted. The number of load levels determined in the load monitoring mode is not limited to three, but may be less than three or more than three.

[0066] The first sensor 61 is not limited to a pressure sensor, but may be a sensor that detects a load, such as a load cell, etc. The second sensor 62 is not limited to a camera, but may be another sensor, such as a millimeter wave radar or an infrared sensor.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, in a work machine, it is possible to improve the ability to identify whether a specified monitoring function is enabled or disabled while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs or size of the work machine.

[0068] 3: Work machine, 4: Swing body, 5: Travel body, 25: First daylight, 26: Second daylight, 27: Third daylight, 44: Controller, 51: Start switch, 61: First sensor, 62: Second sensor

Claims

1. A work machine comprising: a running body; a rotating body arranged on the running body and capable of rotating relative to the running body; a work implement operably attached to the rotating body; a first daylight arranged on the rotating body and capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of mutually different colors; and a controller capable of switching between enabling and disabling a specified monitoring function of the work machine, wherein the controller causes the first daylight to emit light in a different color when the specified monitoring function is enabled and when it is disabled.

2. A work machine as described in claim 1, further comprising a first sensor that detects a load on the work machine, wherein the predetermined monitoring function includes a load monitoring mode that monitors the load on the work machine, and the controller causes the first daylight to emit light in a different color depending on whether the load monitoring mode is enabled or disabled.

3. A work machine as described in claim 2, wherein the controller acquires the load on the work machine detected by the first sensor, and when the load monitoring mode is active, causes the first daylight to emit light in different colors depending on the magnitude of the load.

4. A work machine as described in claim 1, further comprising a second sensor for detecting the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the work machine, wherein the predetermined monitoring function includes a perimeter monitoring mode for monitoring the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the work machine, and wherein the controller causes the first daylight to emit light in a different color depending on whether the perimeter monitoring mode is enabled or disabled.

5. A work machine as described in claim 1, further comprising: a first sensor that detects a load on the work machine; and a second sensor that detects the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the work machine, wherein the predetermined monitoring functions include a load monitoring mode that monitors the load on the work machine and a periphery monitoring mode that monitors the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the work machine, and wherein, when the load monitoring mode is enabled and the periphery monitoring mode is also enabled, the controller causes the first daylight to alternately illuminate between a first color indicating that the load monitoring mode is enabled and a second color indicating that the periphery monitoring mode is enabled.

6. A work machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the first daylights to emit light in a pattern different from that when the work machine is traveling compared to when the work machine is stopped.

7. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the first daylights to emit light in a pattern different from that when the rotating body is rotating compared to when the rotating body is stopped.

8. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the first daylight to emit light in a pattern that differs depending on whether the predetermined monitoring function is enabled or disabled.

9. A work machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the different pattern is a flashing pattern.

10. A work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a start switch for the work machine, wherein when the start switch is in the on state and the predetermined monitoring function is disabled, the controller keeps the first daylights on at all times.

11. A working machine as described in claim 1, further comprising: a second daylight arranged facing one side of the rotating body and capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of different colors; and a third daylight arranged facing the other side of the rotating body and capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of different colors, wherein the first daylight is arranged facing the front of the rotating body, and the controller causes the second daylight and the third daylight to emit light in different colors together with the first daylight depending on whether the specified monitoring function is enabled or disabled.

12. A method for controlling a work machine, the work machine including a running body, a rotating body arranged on the running body and capable of rotating relative to the running body, a work implement operably attached to the rotating body, and a first daylight arranged on the rotating body and capable of selectively emitting light in a plurality of different colors, the method comprising: switching between enabling and disabling a predetermined monitoring function of the work machine; and causing the first daylight to emit light in different colors when the predetermined monitoring function is enabled and when it is disabled.

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