Work machine startup system

Abstract

This work machine startup system comprises an input device that accepts a startup operation for starting up the work machine and a termination operation for stopping a prime mover of the work machine that has been started up, a startup control device that starts up the work machine when the input device accepts the startup operation, and stops the work machine when the input device accepts the termination operation, a theft prevention device that executes operator authentication when the input device accepts the startup operation, and permits startup of the work machine by the startup control device if the operator authentication is successful, and a warning device, wherein: the theft prevention device can be switched to a guest mode in which startup of the work machine by the activation control device is permitted without performing the operator authentication when the input device has accepted the activation operation; and if the input device accepts the termination operation while switched to the guest mode, the warning device issues a warning.

Description

Starting System of Construction Machinery

[0001] The present invention relates to a starting system of a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator.

[0002] As prior arts related to the present invention, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. In Patent Document 1, it is determined whether authentication information transmitted from an electronic key matches registration information registered in advance in a control device, and when starting conditions including that the authentication information matches the registration information and a start command transmitted from the electronic key is acquired are satisfied, the engine is started, and when an operation of an operating device is detected by an operation sensor, the engine is stopped. A construction machine is described. In Patent Document 2, when an identification code is received from a key, first operation characteristics such as time, date, service time, etc. are compared with a system operation period in which the user can set the first operation characteristics, and when the first operation characteristics are within the range of the system operation period, a method for releasing and making operable the security system of an earthwork machine is described.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-151835, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-509797

[0004] In recent years, for the purpose of improving convenience, a keyless entry function that enables the engine of a construction machine to be started in response to a start operation performed by an operator without inserting a physical key into a key cylinder as in the past is being installed in construction machines. When such a keyless entry function is installed in a construction machine, when a start operation is performed by an operator, the operator is authenticated to determine whether the start operation is from an operator with legitimate authority, and the start of the construction machine is permitted only when it is determined that the start operation is from a legitimate operator, so as to prevent unauthorized use of the construction machine.

[0005] Possible methods for authenticating operators include requiring operators to enter a specific password during startup operations, or obtaining specific authentication information via a wireless electronic key carried by the operator. However, the former authentication method requires operators to enter a password each time they start the machine, which may increase the workload for them compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, in common usage scenarios for industrial machinery, multiple operators may share a single machine. To achieve this with the latter authentication method, multiple operators would need to share an electronic key, which may create more operational complexity and constraints than before.

[0006] Therefore, it has been proposed that for work machines equipped with an operator authentication function during keyless entry, the operator authentication function should be temporarily disabled to allow the work machine to be started without operator authentication. However, if the operator authentication function is disabled, there is a risk that the work machine may be started unintentionally.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to prevent a work machine from being started unintentionally when the operator authentication function is temporarily disabled in a work machine startup system that has an operator authentication function.

[0008] The machine starting system according to the present invention includes an input device that receives a start operation to start the machine and a stop operation to stop the prime mover of the machine while it is running; a start control device that starts the machine when the input device receives the start operation and stops the machine when the input device receives the stop operation; an anti-theft device that performs operator authentication when the input device receives the start operation and, if operator authentication is obtained, permits the start control device to start the machine; and a warning device, wherein the anti-theft device can be switched to a guest mode that permits the start control device to start the machine without performing operator authentication when the input device receives the start operation, and if the input device receives the stop operation while in guest mode, the warning device issues a warning.

[0009] According to the present invention, in a starting system for a work machine having an operator authentication function, it is possible to prevent the work machine from being started unintentionally when the operator authentication function is temporarily disabled.

[0010] Further features related to the present invention will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

[0011] A diagram showing a hydraulic excavator, an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing the configuration of the starting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the stop process in the starting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing an example of a warning screen. A flowchart showing the start process in the starting system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following embodiments, a hydraulic excavator will be used as an example of a work machine to which the present invention is applied, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any work machine operated by an operator.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The excavator 200 shown in Figure 1 comprises an upper rotating body 202 equipped with a cab 201 for the operator to ride in, a crawler-type lower traveling body 206, and a work machine 210 including a boom 203, an arm 204, and a bucket 205.

[0014] The cab 201 is equipped with a door 207 that can be opened and closed. The operator can enter the cab 201 by opening the door 207. The door 207 is equipped with a door lock device 208 for locking. When the operation of the shovel 200 is suspended, the operator can lock the door 207 with the door lock device 208, thereby preventing unauthorized persons who do not have the authority to use the shovel 200 from entering the cab 201 without permission. The operator can lock and unlock the door 207, for example, by inserting a physical key into the key cylinder that constitutes the door lock device 208 or by unlocking it with a remote key.

[0015] The cab 201 houses a starting system 100 for controlling the starting of the shovel 200. The starting system 100 controls the starting and stopping of the shovel 200, and prevents unauthorized use of the shovel 200 by unauthorized persons while it is out of service. The starting system 100 in the shovel 200 does not necessarily have to be located inside the cab 201.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a starting system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the starting system 100 of the shovel 200, which is a work machine, includes an anti-theft device 101, a start switch 102, a starting control device 103, and a warning device 104.

[0017] The start switch 102 is a switch for switching the operating state of the shovel 200 and is installed inside the cab 201. The start switch 102 may be a physical switch such as a push-button switch or a toggle switch, or it may be a touch panel type switch. When the shovel 200 is stopped, the operator in the cab 201 can use the start switch 102 to start the shovel 200. Also, when the shovel 200 is started and in operation, the operator in the cab 201 can use the start switch 102 to stop the shovel 200. In other words, the start switch 102 functions as an input device that receives start and stop operations from the operator. Note that the start switch 102 for start operations and the start switch 102 for stop operations may be the same switch or different switches.

[0018] The anti-theft device 101 has an operator authentication function 111 and a guest mode function 112. In the anti-theft device 101, these functions can be realized by executing a predetermined program using a processor such as a CPU. Note that the operator authentication function 111 and the guest mode function 112 may be realized by separate devices.

[0019] The operator authentication function 111 is a function that performs operator authentication to determine whether the operator is a legitimate authorized person when the operator performs the start operation using the start switch 102. If the operator authentication function 111 determines that the operator is a legitimate authorized person, the anti-theft device 101 outputs a start command to the start control device 103, thereby allowing the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200. On the other hand, if the operator authentication function 111 determines that the operator is not an authorized person and is a non-authorized person without legitimate authority, the anti-theft device 101 does not output a start command to the start control device 103. This restricts the start of the shovel 200 by the start control device 103, preventing the non-authorized operator from operating the shovel 200 without authorization even if they perform the start operation.

[0020] Operator authentication by the operator authentication function 111 determines whether the operator is a legitimate authorized person by determining whether the operator possesses predetermined authentication key information. Specifically, for example, the operator is instructed to input a predetermined password as authentication key information using an input device (not shown) installed in the cab 201, and if this password is entered correctly, it is determined that the operator is a legitimate authorized person. Alternatively, for example, a wireless signal transmitted from a communication device such as a smart key held by the operator is received, and if the combination of strings represented by this wireless signal matches the predetermined authentication key information, it is determined that the operator is a legitimate authorized person. Operator authentication can also be performed by any other method.

[0021] The guest mode function 112 is a function in the anti-theft device 101 that cancels the use of the operator authentication function 111. The guest mode function 112 can be enabled or disabled depending on the operator's operation. When the guest mode function 112 is disabled, the anti-theft device 101 performs operator authentication using the operator authentication function 111 in response to a start operation input from the start switch 102. As a result, only if it is determined that the operator is a person with legitimate authority is it permitted to start the shovel 200 by the start control device 103. On the other hand, when the guest mode function 112 is enabled, the anti-theft device 101 switches to guest mode, which allows the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200 without performing operator authentication when the start switch 102 receives a start operation from the operator. In this case, when the anti-theft device 101 receives a start operation input from the start switch 102, it outputs a start command to the start control device 103 without performing operator authentication and permits the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200. This allows for the omission of operator authentication, thereby improving the availability of the 200 shovel.

[0022] When the start control device 103 receives a start command from the anti-theft device 101 in response to the start operation of the start switch 102, it starts the shovel 200 accordingly. Specifically, for example, it starts the operation of the power source, such as the engine or electric motor, of the shovel 200, and makes the hydraulic system of the shovel 200 operational, thereby starting the shovel 200 and enabling the operator to operate the lower travel body 206 and work implement 210 of the shovel 200. On the other hand, when the anti-theft device 101 receives a stop command in response to the end operation of the start switch 102, it stops the power source, such as the engine or electric motor, in response, stopping the operation of the shovel 200 and making it impossible for the operator to operate the shovel 200. Note that when the operator performs the end operation using the start switch 102, the anti-theft device 101 outputs a stop command to the start control device 103 regardless of whether the guest mode function 112 is enabled or not.

[0023] The warning device 104 issues a warning to the operator in response to a warning instruction input from the anti-theft device 101 when the guest mode function 112 is activated in the anti-theft device 101, thereby switching the anti-theft device 101 to guest mode. This warning informs the operator that, in response to the termination operation performed by the operator, the guest mode function 112 of the anti-theft device 101 is activated, and operator authentication will not be performed for the next start operation, therefore measures are needed to prevent unauthorized start operations of the shovel 200. The warning device 104 has a monitor 1041, which is a display device installed inside the cab 201, and can issue warnings to the operator using this monitor 1041. Specific examples of warnings issued by the warning device 104 will be described later.

[0024] Next, the processing flow of the startup system 100 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the stopping process in the startup system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. While the shovel 200 is in operation, the startup system 100 executes the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 at predetermined intervals.

[0025] In step S110, it is determined whether the operator has performed a predetermined termination operation using the start switch 102. If the operator has not performed a termination operation, the system remains in step S110 until the termination operation is performed. On the other hand, if the start switch 102 receives a termination operation performed by the operator, for example by pressing the start switch 102, the anti-theft device 101 detects this termination operation and the system proceeds to step S120.

[0026] In step S120, it is determined whether the guest mode function 112 is enabled in the anti-theft device 101. If the guest mode function 112 is enabled, that is, if the anti-theft device 101 is switched to guest mode, the process proceeds to step S130; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S160. As mentioned above, the anti-theft device 101 can be arbitrarily switched between enabling and disabling the guest mode function 112 in response to the operator's actions while the shovel 200 is in operation.

[0027] In step S130, the warning device 104 displays a predetermined warning screen. At this time, the warning device 104 warns the operator by displaying the warning screen on the monitor 1041 installed inside the cab 201 of the shovel 200.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of a warning screen displayed on the monitor 1041 in step S130 of Figure 3. In the warning screen 40 of Figure 4, a message 41 indicates that the guest mode function 112 is enabled and the anti-theft device 101 is switched to guest mode, along with a message 42 instructing the operator to lock the cab 201 door 207 or to store the excavator 200 in a place where unauthorized third parties cannot enter. This prompts the operator to take measures to restrict unauthorized access to the start switch 102 when stopping the operation of the excavator 200, and to prevent unauthorized persons from illegally starting the excavator 200 even when the guest mode function 112 is enabled. Note that messages 41 and 42 are not necessarily both required, and only one of them may be displayed on the warning screen 40.

[0029] Furthermore, the warning screen 40 in Figure 4 displays a checkbox 43 for disabling the guest mode function 112, and a message 44 indicating that it is possible to disable the guest mode function 112 using this checkbox 43. This notifies the operator that the disabling operation for the guest mode function 112 can be entered on the warning screen 40, allowing the operator to disable the guest mode function 112 at this time if necessary.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, in step S140, it is determined whether or not the option to disable the guest mode function 112 was selected on the warning screen displayed in step S130. If the operator selects the checkbox 43 on the warning screen 40 in Figure 4, it is determined that the option to disable the guest mode function 112 has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S150. On the other hand, if the checkbox 43 has not been selected, it is determined that the option to disable the guest mode function 112 has not been selected, and the process proceeds to step S160.

[0031] It is preferable that the determination process in step S140 be performed a certain time after the warning screen is displayed in step S130. This way, if the operator disables guest mode by selecting the checkbox 43 within a certain time after the warning screen 40 is displayed, it can be determined that the operator wishes to switch the setting state of the guest mode function 112 from enabled to disabled, and the process can proceed to step S150. On the other hand, if the operator does not select the checkbox 43 within a certain time after the warning screen 40 is displayed, it can be determined that the operator wishes to keep the setting state of the guest mode function 112 enabled, and the process can proceed to step S160.

[0032] In step S150, the guest mode function 112 of the anti-theft device 101 is disabled. This switches the guest mode setting of the anti-theft device 101 from enabled to disabled, so that the next time the shovel 200 is started, operator authentication will be performed by the operator authentication function 111.

[0033] In step S160, the start control device 103 stops the power source (prime mover) of the shovel 200, such as the engine or electric motor, thereby stopping the hydraulic system and stopping the operation of the shovel 200. The shovel 200 remains inoperable until the operator performs the start operation. At this time, the anti-theft device 101 outputs a stop command to the start control device 103, causing the start control device 103 to stop the operation of the shovel 200. Once the operation of the shovel 200 is stopped in step S160, the stop process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is terminated.

[0034] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the startup process in a startup system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. While the shovel 200 is stopped, the startup system 100 executes the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 at predetermined intervals.

[0035] In step S210, it is determined whether the operator has performed a predetermined startup operation using the start switch 102. If the operator has not performed the startup operation, the system remains in step S210 until the startup operation is performed. On the other hand, if the operator performs the startup operation by pressing the start switch 102, for example, this startup operation is detected by the anti-theft device 101, and the system proceeds to step S220.

[0036] In step S220, it is determined whether the guest mode function 112 is enabled in the anti-theft device 101. If the guest mode function 112 is enabled, that is, if the anti-theft device 101 is switched to guest mode, the process proceeds to step S250; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0037] In step S230, the anti-theft device 101 acquires authentication key information held by the operator. As mentioned above, here, for example, a password entered by the operator or a wireless signal transmitted from a smart key held by the operator can be acquired as authentication key information.

[0038] In step S240, it is determined whether the authentication key information obtained in step S230 is correct. If the content of the obtained authentication key information matches predetermined information, it is determined that the authentication key information is correct and the process proceeds to step S250. If there is a mismatch, it is determined that the authentication key information is incorrect and the process returns to step S230. In this case, the authentication key information is re-obtained in step S230, and the determination in step S240 is performed again using that authentication key information. However, if the processes in steps S230 and S240 are repeated a predetermined number of times, and it is not determined in step S240 that the authentication key information is correct, it is preferable to determine that the operator is an unauthorized person and interrupt the startup process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0039] The anti-theft device 101 can perform operator authentication by the processes described in steps S230 and S240 above.

[0040] In step S250, the hydraulic system is activated to start the operation of the shovel 200, making it ready for the operator to operate. At this time, the anti-theft device 101 outputs a start command to the start control device 103, causing the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200. Once the operation of the shovel 200 has started in step S250, the start process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 is terminated.

[0041] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0042] (1) The starting system 100 for the work machine, the shovel 200, includes an input device (start switch 102) that receives a start operation from the operator to start the shovel 200 and a stop operation to stop the power source (prime mover) of the running shovel 200; a start control device 103 that starts the shovel 200 when the start switch 102 receives a start operation and stops the shovel 200 when the start switch 102 receives a stop operation; an anti-theft device 101 that performs operator authentication when the start switch 102 receives a start operation and, if operator authentication is obtained, allows the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200; and a warning device 104. The anti-theft device 101 has a guest mode function 112 that allows it to switch to guest mode, which allows the start control device 103 to start the shovel 200 without performing operator authentication when the start switch 102 receives a start operation. If the start switch 102 accepts a termination operation (step S120: Yes) while the guest mode function 112 is enabled and the system is switched to guest mode, the warning device 104 issues a warning (step S130). In this way, when stopping the operation of the shovel 200, access to the start switch 102 by unauthorized persons is restricted, and the operator is prompted to take measures to prevent unauthorized persons from illegally starting the shovel 200 even when the guest mode function 112 is enabled. As a result, in the shovel 200 starting system 100 which has an operator authentication function, it is possible to prevent the shovel 200, which is the work machine, from being started unintentionally when the operator authentication function is temporarily disabled.

[0043] In a work machine equipped with a keyless entry function like the above-described excavator 200, it is possible to set a guest mode, which is a special mode that eliminates the need for password input or communication with an electronic key during the startup operation. When the guest mode is set, it is conceivable to allow the startup of the work machine without operator authentication. In this case, in order to prevent unauthorized use of the work machine and ensure security even during the guest mode, it is important to physically limit the unauthorized startup operation itself by unauthorized persons. For example, in the excavator 200, the startup operation is performed by the operator using the start switch 102 installed inside the cab 201. Therefore, when the excavator 200 is not in use, by locking the cab 201 and restricting access to the start switch 102, it is possible to prevent unauthorized startup operations by unauthorized persons even during the guest mode. However, if the operator forgets to lock the cab during the guest mode, an unauthorized person can easily enter the cab 201 and operate the start switch 102, making it impossible to restrict unauthorized startup operations by unauthorized persons. Therefore, if the excavator 200 is stored in a place where unauthorized persons can easily enter, there is a risk that the excavator 200 will be used without permission by unauthorized persons.

[0044] Therefore, in the startup system 100 of the present embodiment, when the theft prevention device 101 performs the above-described processing and the end operation of the excavator 200 is performed in a state where it is switched to the guest mode, the warning device 104 issues a warning to prompt the operator's attention. As a result, a state where an unauthorized startup operation by an unauthorized person is possible due to a human error during the guest mode does not occur in the excavator 200. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent unauthorized startup operations by unauthorized persons.

[0045] (2) When the anti-theft device 101 is switched to guest mode and the start switch 102 receives a termination operation (step S120: Yes), it stops the shovel 200 (step S160) and issues a warning via the warning device 104 (step S130). In this way, when an operator performs a termination operation in guest mode, the operation of the shovel 200 is reliably stopped in response to the termination operation, and the operator is reliably warned that the system has been switched to guest mode.

[0046] (3) The warning issued by the warning device 104 in step S130 is a warning prompting the operator to lock the door 207 of the cab 201 on the shovel 200, and to prevent unauthorized persons from approaching the shovel 200, as shown in messages 41 and 42 on the warning screen 40 in Figure 4. In this way, it is possible to notify the operator to take measures that will reliably restrict unauthorized persons from accessing the start switch 102.

[0047] (4) The warning device 104 includes a monitor 1041. When the start switch 102 receives a termination operation while the anti-theft device 101 is switched to guest mode, it notifies the operator by displaying a message 44 on the warning screen 40 in Figure 4, for example, on the monitor 1041 that a deactivation operation to disable guest mode is accepted. When the operator inputs a deactivation operation using the checkbox 43 in response to this notification from the warning device 104 (step S140: Yes), the anti-theft device 101 disables the guest mode function 112 and switches the guest mode to disabled (step S150). In this way, even if the operator forgets to disable the guest mode function 112 before the termination operation, it is possible to disable the guest mode function 112 and switch the guest mode to disabled after the termination operation.Therefore, it is not necessary to restart the shovel 200 to disable the guest mode function 112, saving the operator time and improving convenience.

[0048] (5) If the operator does not input an invalidation operation within a certain period from the notification of the warning device 104 by the message 44 (step S140: No), the anti-theft device 101 continues the guest mode without executing the process of step S150. By doing so, when it is not necessary to invalidate the guest mode function 112, the state in which the guest mode function 112 is enabled can be continued, and the availability of the excavator 200 can be improved by omitting the operator authentication at startup.

[0049] (6) The anti-theft device 101 determines whether the operator is a legitimate authorized person by determining whether the operator holds predetermined authentication key information in operator authentication (steps S230, S240). Specifically, the operator authentication by the anti-theft device 101 is performed based on a password input to the anti-theft device 101 or a wireless signal transmitted from a communication device such as a smart key held by the operator. By doing so, it becomes possible to easily and accurately determine whether the operator is a legitimate authorized person, and high-precision operator authentication can be realized.

[0050] In the above embodiment, in step S130 of FIG. 3, for example, it has been described that a warning is given to the operator by displaying the warning screen 40 of FIG. 4 on the monitor 1041 of the warning device 104. However, a warning to the operator may be given by combining other methods or by using other methods instead of displaying the warning screen. For example, a buzzer that emits a predetermined warning sound is provided inside the cab 201, and by emitting a warning sound from this buzzer, the operator can be alerted. Also, for example, a buzzer and a lighting device are installed outside the cab 201 in the excavator 200, and the operator can be alerted by a warning sound emitted from the buzzer or the lighting of the lighting device. That is, the warning by the warning device 104 can be performed using at least one of the buzzer and the monitor 1041 installed inside the cab 201 and the buzzer and the lighting device installed outside the cab 201 in the excavator 200. By doing so, it becomes possible to more effectively alert the operator.

[0051] Alternatively, instead of warning the operator using a buzzer or monitor 1041, or in conjunction with a warning to the operator, the cab 201 door 207 may be automatically locked. This ensures that when the guest mode function 112 is enabled, unauthorized access to the start switch 102 is restricted, and measures are reliably taken to prevent unauthorized persons from illegally starting the shovel 200 even when the guest mode function 112 is enabled. In this case, it is preferable that the door 207 is locked after the opening or closing of the door 207 is detected, so that the door 207 is locked after the operator has left the cab 201.

[0052] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above described an example of application to a hydraulic excavator, the present invention is also applicable to other types of work machines. The present invention can be applied in the same manner as in the embodiments described above to any work machine that can be set to guest mode and can be started without user authentication when in guest mode.

[0053] 100 Startup system 101 Anti-theft device 102 Start switch 103 Startup control device 104 Warning device 1041 Monitor 111 Operator authentication function 112 Guest mode function 200 Shovel 201 Cab 202 Upper slewing body 203 Boom 204 Arm 205 Bucket 206 Lower traveling body 207 Door 208 Door lock device 210 Work equipment

Claims

1. A machine starting system comprising: an input device that receives a start operation to start a machine and a stop operation to stop the prime mover of a machine that is running; a start control device that starts the machine when the input device receives the start operation and stops the machine when the input device receives the stop operation; an anti-theft device that performs operator authentication when the input device receives the start operation and, if operator authentication is obtained, permits the start control device to start the machine; and a warning device, wherein the anti-theft device is capable of switching to a guest mode in which the start control device can start the machine without performing operator authentication when the input device receives the start operation, and when the input device receives the stop operation while in guest mode, the warning device issues a warning.

2. A machine starting system according to claim 1, wherein, when the anti-theft device is switched to guest mode and the input device receives the termination operation, the machine is stopped and the warning device issues the warning.

3. A machine starting system according to claim 1, wherein the warning from the warning device is a warning prompting the operator to lock the cab door provided on the machine, and a warning to prevent unauthorized persons from approaching the machine.

4. A machine startup system according to claim 1, wherein the warning device includes a monitor, and the anti-theft device displays on the monitor that an operation to disable the guest mode is accepted when the input device receives the termination operation while the machine is switched to guest mode.

5. A machine starting system according to claim 1, wherein the anti-theft device locks the cab door of the machine when the input device receives the termination operation while the machine is switched to guest mode.

6. A machine starting system according to claim 1, wherein the operator authentication by the anti-theft device is performed based on a password entered into the anti-theft device or a wireless signal transmitted from a communication device held by the operator.

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