JP7702869B2 - Excavators and systems for excavators - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an excavator and a system for an excavator.

Conventionally, there is known a shovel that is configured to communicate with a mobile terminal carried by an operator, compare authentication information sent from the mobile terminal with authentication information stored in the shovel, and permit operation of the shovel if the two match (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-232682 A

However, an operator who wants to operate the above-mentioned shovel must go through the cumbersome task of physically connecting the mobile terminal to the shovel.

Therefore, it is desirable to be able to prevent unauthorized starting of the engine, which is the power source of the shovel, with a simpler configuration.

A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention is a shovel that is communicatively connected to an external management device, is equipped with a drive source, and is configured to permit starting of the drive source when authentication information issued by the management device is matched with authentication information received by a mobile terminal and input through a device mounted on the shovel, the device mounted on the shovel is installed inside a driver's cab having a door that can be locked by a mechanical key, and the mechanical key switches between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power is not supplied .

The above-mentioned shovel has a simpler configuration that prevents unauthorized engine start.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a drive system of the shovel shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting an engine. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing the transition over time of the operating state of the engine, the starting restriction state of the shovel, and the rotational position of the key cylinder. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a procedure for starting an engine.

Below, a description of the embodiment of the invention will be given with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of an excavator according to an embodiment of the present invention. An upper rotating body 3 is mounted on a lower running body 1 of the excavator PS so as to be rotatable via a rotating mechanism 2. A boom 4 is attached to the upper rotating body 3. An arm 5 is attached to the tip of the boom 4. A bucket 6 is attached to the tip of the arm 5.

The boom 4, arm 5, and bucket 6 constitute an excavation attachment, which is an example of an attachment. The boom 4 is driven by a boom cylinder 7, the arm 5 is driven by an arm cylinder 8, and the bucket 6 is driven by a bucket cylinder 9. In addition, a boom angle sensor S1 is attached to the boom 4, an arm angle sensor S2 is attached to the arm 5, and a bucket angle sensor S3 is attached to the bucket 6.

The boom angle sensor S1 detects the rotation angle of the boom 4. In this embodiment, the boom angle sensor S1 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the boom 4 relative to the upper rotating body 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "boom angle"). For example, the boom angle is at its minimum when the boom 4 is lowered to the lowest and increases as the boom 4 is raised.

The arm angle sensor S2 detects the rotation angle of the arm 5. In this embodiment, the arm angle sensor S2 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the arm 5 relative to the boom 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "arm angle"). For example, the arm angle is at its smallest angle when the arm 5 is fully closed and increases as the arm 5 is opened.

The bucket angle sensor S3 detects the rotation angle of the bucket 6. In this embodiment, the bucket angle sensor S3 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the bucket 6 relative to the arm 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "bucket angle"). For example, the bucket angle is at its minimum when the bucket 6 is fully closed and increases as the bucket 6 is opened.

The boom angle sensor S1, arm angle sensor S2, and bucket angle sensor S3 may each be a potentiometer using a variable resistor, a stroke sensor that detects the stroke amount of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder, a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle around the connecting pin, a gyro sensor, or a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, etc.

The upper rotating body 3 is equipped with an engine 11, a vehicle tilt sensor S4, and a rotation angular velocity sensor S5. The upper rotating body 3 is also provided with an imaging device 80. The imaging device 80 includes a front camera 80F, a left camera 80L, a rear camera 80B, a right camera 80R, and an interior camera 80P.

The indoor camera 80P is a camera installed inside the cabin 10. In this embodiment, the indoor camera 80P is attached to the top of the display device 40 installed inside the cabin 10, as shown in FIG.

The machine body inclination sensor S4 is configured to detect, for example, the inclination of the upper rotating body 3 relative to a predetermined plane. In this embodiment, the machine body inclination sensor S4 is an acceleration sensor that detects the inclination angle about the fore-aft axis and the lateral axis of the upper rotating body 3 relative to a horizontal plane. The fore-aft axis and the lateral axis of the upper rotating body 3 are perpendicular to each other, for example, at the shovel center point, which is a point on the rotation axis of the shovel PS.

The rotation angular velocity sensor S5 is configured to detect the rotation angular velocity of the upper rotating body 3. The rotation angular velocity sensor S5 may be configured to detect the rotation angle of the upper rotating body 3. In this embodiment, the rotation angular velocity sensor S5 is a gyro sensor. The rotation angular velocity sensor S5 may be a resolver, a rotary encoder, or the like.

The upper rotating body 3 is provided with a cabin 10 serving as a driver's cab. A communication device T1 and a GNSS receiver T2 are provided at the top of the cabin 10. The communication device T1 controls communication between the communication device T1 and a management device 90 etc. installed outside the excavator PS. The GNSS receiver T2 detects the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the excavator PS. A controller 30, a display device 40, a sound output device 43, an input device 45, a memory device 47 etc. are provided within the cabin 10.

The controller 30 functions as a main control unit that controls the drive of the excavator PS. The controller 30 is composed of an arithmetic processing unit including a CPU and an internal memory. The various functions of the controller 30 are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the internal memory.

The display device 40 is configured to display various information. In this embodiment, the display device 40 is a liquid crystal display. The display device 40 is connected to the controller 30 via a communication network such as CAN or LIN. The display device 40 may also be connected to the controller 30 via a dedicated line.

The sound output device 43 is configured to output various types of sound information in response to an output command from the controller 30. In this embodiment, the sound output device 43 is a speaker. The sound output device 43 may also be an alarm such as a buzzer.

The input device 45 is a device that allows the operator of the excavator PS to input various information to the controller 30. In this embodiment, the input device 45 is a membrane switch provided on the surface of the display device 40. The input device 45 may be a touch panel or the like.

The storage device 47 is a device for storing various types of information. The storage device 47 is, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, the storage device 47 stores various types of information output by the controller 30, etc.

A door DR is installed on the left side of the cabin 10, and a side cover CV is set on the left side of the upper rotating body 3. The door DR and side cover CV are configured so that they can be locked and unlocked with a common mechanical key.

Next, an example of the configuration of the drive system of the shovel PS will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive system of the shovel PS.

The drive system of the excavator PS mainly includes an engine 11, a main pump 14, a pilot pump 15, a control valve 17, an operating device 26, a controller 30, a storage battery 70, electrical equipment 72, a key cylinder 73, an engine control device 74, and an engine speed adjustment dial 75.

The engine 11 is a drive source for the excavator PS, and is, for example, a diesel engine that operates to maintain a predetermined rotation speed. The output shaft of the engine 11 is connected to the input shafts of the main pump 14 and the pilot pump 15.

The main pump 14 is a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the control valve 17 via a hydraulic oil line 16. In this embodiment, the main pump 14 is a swash plate type variable displacement hydraulic pump.

The pilot pump 15 is a hydraulic pump for supplying hydraulic oil to hydraulic control devices such as the operating device 26 via the pilot line 25. In this embodiment, the pilot pump 15 is a fixed displacement hydraulic pump.

The control valve 17 is a hydraulic control valve that controls the hydraulic system in the excavator PS. The control valve 17 selectively supplies hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump 14 to, for example, one or more of the boom cylinder 7, arm cylinder 8, bucket cylinder 9, right traveling hydraulic motor 1A, left traveling hydraulic motor 1B, and swing hydraulic motor 2A. In the following description, the boom cylinder 7, arm cylinder 8, bucket cylinder 9, right traveling hydraulic motor 1A, left traveling hydraulic motor 1B, and swing hydraulic motor 2A are collectively referred to as the "hydraulic actuators."

The operating device 26 is a device used by an operator to operate the hydraulic actuators. In this embodiment, the operating device 26 includes an operating lever and an operating pedal. The operating device 26 is configured to supply hydraulic oil supplied from the pilot pump 15 to the pilot ports of the control valves corresponding to each hydraulic actuator via the pilot line 25. The pilot pressure, which is the pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to each pilot port, is a pressure according to the operation direction and operation amount of the operating device 26 corresponding to each hydraulic actuator.

The controller 30 is a control device for controlling the excavator PS. In this embodiment, the controller 30 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the controller 30 reads out programs corresponding to various functions from the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and executes them to realize the functions corresponding to each of those programs.

The storage battery 70 is configured to supply power to the starter motor 11b, the controller 30, the display device 40, the communication device T1, and electrical equipment 72, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "electrical equipment 72, etc."). The storage battery 70 is charged with power generated by the alternator 11a (generator) of the engine 11.

The key cylinder 73 is configured so that an operator can insert a mechanical key when starting the engine 11. In this embodiment, the mechanical key is a mechanical key used to lock and unlock the door DR and the side cover CV.

The operator can insert a mechanical key into the key cylinder 73 and rotate the key cylinder 73 to select one of four rotation positions, "OFF", "ACC", "ON", and "START", as the rotation position of the key cylinder 73. "OFF" is the rotation position selected when the operator inserts and removes the mechanical key. "ACC" is the rotation position in which power is supplied to the electrical equipment 72. "ON" is the rotation position selected to keep the engine 11 running after it has been started. "START" is the rotation position selected to start the engine 11. When "START" is selected as the rotation position of the key cylinder 73, the starter motor 11b is driven by power from the storage battery 70 to start the engine 11.

The engine 11 may be started using an engine button (not shown). In this case, the key cylinder 73 may be omitted. Specifically, the engine button may be configured so that, for example, pressing it once achieves the same state as when "ACC" is selected, pressing it twice achieves the same state as when "START" is selected, and pressing and holding the engine button achieves the same state as when "OFF" is selected.

The engine control device 74 is a device that controls the engine 11. The engine control device 74 controls the engine speed by adjusting the fuel injection amount, etc., based on, for example, a command from the controller 30. The engine speed is controlled to become a target engine speed set by the operator using, for example, the engine speed adjustment dial 75.

The engine speed adjustment dial 75 is a dial for setting a target engine speed. In this embodiment, the engine speed adjustment dial 75 is configured to be able to switch the target engine speed in four stages. Specifically, the engine speed adjustment dial 75 is configured to be able to switch the engine speed in four stages: SP mode, H mode, A mode, and IDLE mode. Figure 2 shows a state in which the H mode is selected with the engine speed adjustment dial 75. The engine speed adjustment dial 75 outputs data regarding the target engine speed to the controller 30.

SP mode is a work mode selected when priority is given to workload, and uses the highest target engine speed. H mode is a work mode selected when priority is given to workload and fuel efficiency, and uses the second highest target engine speed. A mode is a work mode selected when priority is given to fuel efficiency while operating the excavator PS with low noise, and uses the third highest target engine speed. IDLE mode is a work mode selected when the engine is to be put into an idling state, and uses the lowest target engine speed. The engine 11 is then speed-controlled to achieve the target engine speed corresponding to the work mode selected with the engine speed adjustment dial 75.

The display device 40 includes a conversion processing unit 40a that generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 41. The conversion processing unit 40a generates a camera image to be displayed on the image display unit 41 based on the output of the imaging device 80. For this reason, the imaging device 80 is connected to the display device 40 via, for example, a dedicated line. In addition, the conversion processing unit 40a generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 41 based on the output of the controller 30.

The imaging device 80 includes a front camera 80F, a left camera 80L, a rear camera 80B, and a right camera 80R. The front camera 80F is attached, for example, to the ceiling of the cabin 10 and captures images in front of the shovel PS. The left camera 80L is attached, for example, to the left side of the upper rotating body 3 and captures images to the left of the shovel PS. The rear camera 80B is attached to the rear side of the upper rotating body 3 and captures images to the rear of the shovel PS. The right camera 80R is attached to the right side of the upper rotating body 3 and captures images to the right of the shovel PS. The front camera 80F, the left camera 80L, the rear camera 80B, and the right camera 80R are digital cameras having imaging elements such as CCD or CMOS, and transmit the captured images to a display device 40 provided in the cabin 10.

The conversion processing unit 40a may be realized as a function of the controller 30, rather than as a function of the display device 40. In this case, the imaging device 80 is connected to the controller 30, rather than to the display device 40.

The display device 40 includes a switch panel as an input unit 42. The switch panel is a panel including various hardware switches. The switch panel includes, for example, a light switch 42a, a wiper switch 42b, and a window washer switch 42c as hardware buttons. The light switch 42a is a switch for switching the lights attached to the exterior of the cabin 10 on and off. The wiper switch 42b is a switch for switching the wipers on and off. The window washer switch 42c is a switch for spraying window washer fluid.

The engine 11 is controlled by an engine control device 74. The engine control device 74 outputs various data indicating the state of the engine 11 (for example, data indicating the cooling water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 11c) to the controller 30.

The regulator 13 is configured to control the discharge volume of the main pump 14. In this embodiment, the regulator 13 controls the discharge volume of the main pump 14 by adjusting the swash plate tilt angle of the main pump 14. The regulator 13 outputs data indicating the swash plate tilt angle to the controller 30.

The oil temperature sensor 14c is configured to detect the temperature of the hydraulic oil flowing through the pipeline between the tank in which the hydraulic oil is stored and the main pump 14. The oil temperature sensor 14c outputs information related to the detected oil temperature to the controller 30.

The discharge pressure sensor 28 is configured to detect the discharge pressure of the main pump 14. The discharge pressure sensor 28 outputs information regarding the detected discharge pressure to the controller 30.

The operating pressure sensor 29 is configured to detect the pilot pressure generated by the operating device 26. The operating pressure sensor 29 outputs information regarding the detected pilot pressure to the controller 30.

The controller 30 stores data received from the water temperature sensor 11c, regulator 13, oil temperature sensor 14c, discharge pressure sensor 28, operating pressure sensor 29, engine speed adjustment dial 75, etc. in a temporary memory unit 30a and can transmit the data to the display device 40 when necessary.

The gate lock lever 49 is a mechanism that prevents the excavator PS from being operated erroneously. In this embodiment, the gate lock lever 49 is provided between the door of the cabin 10 and the driver's seat. The controller 30 is configured to close the gate lock valve 49a (see FIG. 2) when the gate lock lever 49 is pressed down, and to open the gate lock valve 49a when the gate lock lever 49 is pulled up.

The gate lock valve 49a is a switching valve provided in the oil passage between the pilot pump 15 and the operating device 26 (see FIG. 2). The gate lock valve 49a is configured to open and close in response to a command from the controller 30, but may also be mechanically connected to the gate lock lever 49 and configured to open and close in response to the operation of the gate lock lever 49.

When the gate lock valve 49a is closed, it blocks the flow of hydraulic oil between the pilot pump 15 and the operating device 26, disabling the operating device 26. When the gate lock valve 49a is open, it connects the pilot pump 15 and the operating device 26, enabling the operating device 26. That is, when the operator gets into the driver's seat and pulls up the gate lock lever 49, the operating device 26 enters a state in which the hydraulic actuator can be operated (unlocked state). When the operator presses down the gate lock lever 49, the operating device 26 enters a state in which the hydraulic actuator cannot be operated (locked state).

The communication device T1 is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 90 via the communication network 93.

The management device 90 is, for example, a computer or the like installed outside the excavator PS, and is configured to enable specialized staff (designers, etc.) to grasp the status of the excavator PS from a remote location. The controller 30 can accumulate the output of various devices attached to the excavator PS in a temporary memory unit 30a or the like, and transmit the output to the management device 90 as necessary.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, an example of a procedure for starting the engine 11 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting the engine 11. Partial view F1 of FIG. 3 shows a screen of a mobile terminal 200 carried by an operator of the shovel PS, and partial view F2 shows the state inside the cabin 10 of the shovel PS. In the example of FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 200 is a smartphone equipped with a communication function, a display function, an input function, and the like. The mobile terminal 200 may be a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a smart watch, a mobile phone, or the like. The shovel PS, the management device 90, and the mobile terminal 200 in FIG. 3 constitute an anti-theft system that prevents the theft of the shovel PS, which is an example of a system for an shovel.

First, the operator of the excavator PS uses the mechanical key to unlock the door DR of the cabin 10, opens the door DR and enters the cabin 10. The operator then inserts the mechanical key into the key cylinder 73, sets the rotation position of the key cylinder 73 to "ACC", and activates the indoor camera 80P and the communication device T1.

After that, the operator of the excavator PS operates the mobile terminal 200 to transmit a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90 as shown by the arrow AR1. The request signal is a signal that requests the management device 90 to issue authentication information. The authentication information is information used to authenticate that the operator who is trying to start the engine 11 of the excavator PS is a legitimate operator, and is, for example, a password or a passcode. In this embodiment, the authentication information is a password that is valid only for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period is, for example, one hour from issuance, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the day of issuance, or from a predetermined start date and time to a predetermined end date and time. The authentication information may be a password that is valid only for one start or a predetermined number of starts. The authentication information is dynamically generated based on at least one of the issuance date and time and the location from which the request signal was transmitted, so that the authentication information is different for each issuance. However, the validity period of the authentication information may be indefinite.

Before entering the cabin 10, the operator of the excavator PS may operate the mobile terminal 200 to send a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90.

The shovel PS may be configured to transmit a request signal to the management device 90. For example, when the rotation position of the key cylinder 73 is switched from "OFF" to "ACC", the shovel PS may transmit a request signal to the management device 90 as shown by the arrow AR1a. In this case, the transmission of the request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90 may be omitted.

Thereafter, the management device 90, which has received the request signal, issues authentication information and transmits the issued authentication information to the mobile terminal 200, as indicated by the arrow AR2. The management device 90 also transmits the issued authentication information to the excavator PS, as indicated by the arrow AR3.

The management device 90 may be configured to issue authentication information only when the distance between the mobile terminal 200 and the shovel PS is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. In other words, the management device 90 may be configured not to issue authentication information when the operator carrying the mobile terminal 200 is not near the shovel PS. This is to improve security against unauthorized access. The position of the mobile terminal 200 may be identified based on, for example, the output of a GNSS receiver mounted on the mobile terminal 200, and the position of the shovel PS may be identified based on the output of a GNSS receiver T2 mounted on the shovel PS.

In the example of Figure 3, the management device 90 has pre-registered the mobile terminal 200 carried by the operator of the shovel PS as a legitimate mobile terminal. The management device 90 has also pre-registered the shovel PS as a legitimate shovel. The management device 90 also associates information about the mobile terminal 200 carried by the operator of the shovel PS with information about the shovel PS. Therefore, when a request signal is received from the mobile terminal 200 or the shovel PS, the management device 90 can transmit the issued authentication information to each of the mobile terminal 200 and the shovel PS.

The mobile terminal 200 that receives the authentication information displays the authentication information on the screen. In this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 200 receives a password as authentication information, it encodes the password into a QR code (registered trademark) and displays the QR code on the screen as shown in partial diagram F1. The QR code may be other encoded information such as a barcode. The encoded information may also be a moving image. The mobile terminal 200 may also receive the encoded authentication information from the management device 90, rather than the authentication information before it is encoded.

The operator then points the screen of the mobile terminal 200, on which the QR code is displayed, towards the indoor camera 80P embedded in the upper part of the display device 40 installed in the cabin 10. This is so that the indoor camera 80P can capture an image of the QR code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200.

The controller 30 then recognizes the QR code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200 from the image captured by the indoor camera 80P and decodes the QR code. The controller 30 then compares the password received from the management device 90 via the communication device T1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first password") with a password obtained by decoding the QR code extracted and recognized from the image captured by the indoor camera 80P (hereinafter referred to as the "second password").

If it is determined that the first password and the second password match, the controller 30 authenticates the operator holding the mobile terminal 200 as a legitimate operator and switches the state of the excavator PS from a start-restricted state to a restricted state.

The start restriction state means a state in which the engine 11 cannot be started. In the start restriction state, the operator of the excavator PS cannot start the engine 11 even if he or she turns the key cylinder 73 to "START". This is because the starter motor 11b is configured not to operate in the start restriction state.

To achieve such a configuration, the controller 30 may be configured not to output a start command to the starter motor 11b in the start restriction state, for example. The start command is a command that the controller 30 outputs to the starter motor 11b when the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 becomes "START". The starter motor 11b is configured to rotate and start the engine 11 when it receives a start command from the controller 30.

The restriction-free state means a state in which restrictions on starting the engine 11 have been lifted, i.e., a state in which the engine 11 can be started. In the restriction-free state, the operator of the excavator PS can start the engine 11 using the starter motor 11b by rotating the key cylinder 73 to "START." The two arrows AR4 in Figure 3 indicate that the first password and the second password match.

In this case, the controller 30 may notify the management device 90 of the fact that the first password and the second password match, i.e., the fact that the operator who owns the mobile terminal 200 has been authenticated as a legitimate operator. This is to allow the administrator to recognize that the authentication information issued by the management device 90 has been used correctly.

Thereafter, with the shovel PS in the unrestricted state, the operator of the shovel PS can rotate the key cylinder 73 to "START" to start the engine 11 and operate the shovel PS to perform the desired work.

Thereafter, when the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires, the engine 11 stops and the excavator PS enters a start-restricted state, as indicated by arrow AR5.

In the example of FIG. 3, if the operator rotates the key cylinder 73 to "ACC" or "OFF" before the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires, the engine 11 stops, but the excavator PS remains in the unrestricted state. In this case, the operator can restart the engine 11 by rotating the key cylinder 73 again to "START." In other words, the operator does not need to re-display the QR code on the screen of the mobile terminal 200 in order to restart the engine 11.

However, the excavator PS may be configured to enter a start-restricted state even if the operator rotates the key cylinder 73 to "ACC" or "OFF" before the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires. In this case, the operator can restart the engine 11 by operating the mobile terminal 200 to resend a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90, as long as the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 is still within the validity period.

With the above-described configuration, the excavator PS can authenticate a legitimate operator by having the operator execute a simple authentication procedure. In other words, the operator of the excavator PS can be authenticated and start the engine 11 simply by executing the simple authentication procedure. On the other hand, the excavator PS can prevent the engine 11 from being started illegally by an unauthorized operator.

In the above-mentioned configuration, the password as authentication information is encoded into a QR code and displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200, and is then photographed by the indoor camera 80P and recognized by the controller 30.

However, the password as authentication information may be, for example, encoded into a QR code and printed on paper and handed over to the operator of the shovel PS. In this case, instead of holding the QR code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 200 in front of the indoor camera 80P, the operator may put the shovel PS into the unrestricted state by holding a piece of paper on which the QR code is printed in front of the indoor camera 80P.

Alternatively, the authentication information may be information about a gesture. In this case, the management device 90 transmits, for example, a text message including the contents of the gesture to be performed by the operator to the mobile terminal 200. The contents of the gesture may be, for example, first raising the right hand to eye level with an open hand, and then raising the left hand to chin level with a closed hand. The operator may then make a gesture in front of the indoor camera 80P installed in the cabin 10 according to the text message, causing the controller 30 to compare the authentication information received through the communication device T1 with the authentication information acquired through the indoor camera 80P. That is, the controller 30 may determine whether or not a series of gestures have been performed as written in the text message. The text message may be written on a piece of paper handed over in advance. Alternatively, the text message may be replaced with an illustrated image or an animated image representing the contents of the gesture.

The authentication information may be sound information such as a voice message, music, or a melody. In this case, the operator of the excavator PS may play this sound information through the speaker of the mobile terminal 200 in front of a microphone installed in the cabin 10, causing the controller 30 to compare the authentication information received through the communication device T1 with the authentication information acquired through the microphone.

Next, the relationship between the state of the engine 11, the state of the shovel PS, and the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the time progression of the state of the engine 11, the state of the shovel PS, and the rotational position of the key cylinder 73.

Figure 4 shows that at time t1 when the engine 11 is "OFF" and the excavator PS is in the "start restriction state", the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 is switched from "ACC" to "ON". "OFF" for the engine 11 represents a state in which the engine 11 is not running. "ON" for the engine 11 represents a state in which the engine 11 is running.

Figure 4 also shows that at time t2 when the engine 11 is "OFF" and the shovel PS is in the "start restricted state", the rotation position of the key cylinder 73 is switched from "ON" to "START". In this case, the operator of the shovel PS cannot start the engine 11 even if he or she rotates the key cylinder 73 to "START". This is because the shovel PS is in the "start restricted state".

Figure 4 also shows that the excavator PS is switched from the "start restricted state" to the "restriction released state" at time t3 when the engine 11 is "OFF" and the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 is "ON". This indicates that at time t3, the controller 30 determines that the first password and the second password match as a result of comparing the authentication information as shown in Figure 3. Note that in the example of Figure 4, the validity period of the authentication information is preset so that the "restriction released state" will continue for a period D1 until time t8.

Therefore, at a later time t4, the operator of the shovel PS can start the engine 11 by rotating the key cylinder 73 to "START." This is because the shovel PS is in the "unrestricted state."

In the example of FIG. 4, the validity period of the authentication information is set so that the unrestricted state continues for the period D1 up to time t8, as described above. Therefore, even if the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 is switched from "ON" to "ACC" at time t5, the engine 11 becomes "OFF", but the excavator PS remains in the "unrestricted state". As a result, at time t6, the operator can restart the engine 11 without being re-authenticated by switching the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 from "ACC" back to "START". In other words, the operator can restart the engine 11 without having to re-display the QR code on the screen of the mobile terminal 200.

Thereafter, at time t7, which is a predetermined time D2 earlier than time t8, at which the validity period of the authentication information expires, the controller 30 causes the image display unit 41 of the display device 40 to display a message such as "The engine will be stopped in XX minutes." The controller 30 may also cause the sound output device 43 to output a voice message to that effect. Alternatively, the controller 30 may use any means to notify the operator of the effect. This is to notify the operator of the excavator PS in advance that the engine 11 will be stopped in a predetermined time. By receiving such a notification, the operator can begin preparations to stop work early.

Thereafter, at time t8, the controller 30 stops the engine 11. However, the controller 30 may be configured to restrict the movement of the excavator PS, for example by slowing down the movement of the hydraulic actuator, rather than stopping the engine 11 when the validity period of the authentication information expires.

Figure 4 shows that at time t8 when the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 is "ON", the engine 11 is switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the excavator PS is switched from the "unrestricted state" to the "start restricted state". This indicates that the validity period of the authentication information has expired at time t8, and the engine 11 has been forcibly stopped.

At time t9, even if the operator of the shovel PS turns the key cylinder 73 to "START," he or she cannot start the engine 11. This is because the shovel PS is in a "start restriction state."

Furthermore, even if the operator uses the QR code acquired at time t3, he or she cannot start the engine 11. This is because the validity period of the authentication information has already expired. In other words, the operator cannot restart the engine 11 unless he or she acquires different authentication information issued by the management device 90 and whose validity period has not expired.

In this way, the operator of the excavator PS can be authenticated by simply performing a simple authentication procedure and start the engine 11. At the same time, the excavator PS can prevent the engine 11 from being started illegally by an unauthorized operator.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, another example of the procedure for starting the engine 11 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the procedure for starting the engine 11. Partial view F3 of FIG. 5 shows the state inside the cabin 10 of the shovel PS. In the example of FIG. 5, the mobile terminal 200 is a smartphone equipped with a communication function, a display function, an input function, etc., as in the case of FIG. 4. The mobile terminal 200 may be a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a smart watch, a mobile phone, etc. The shovel PS, the management device 90, and the mobile terminal 200 in FIG. 5 constitute an anti-theft system for preventing the theft of the shovel PS, which is an example of a system for a shovel, as in the case of FIG. 3.

First, the operator of the excavator PS unlocks the door DR of the cabin 10 using the mechanical key, opens the door DR and enters the cabin 10. The operator then inserts the mechanical key into the key cylinder 73, sets the rotation position of the key cylinder 73 to "ACC", and starts up the display device 40 and communication device T1.

Then, the operator of the excavator PS operates the mobile terminal 200 to send a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90, as indicated by arrow AR11.

Before entering the cabin 10, the operator of the excavator PS may operate the mobile terminal 200 to send a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90.

The shovel PS may be configured to transmit a request signal to the management device 90. For example, when the rotation position of the key cylinder 73 is switched from "OFF" to "ACC", the shovel PS may transmit a request signal to the management device 90 as shown by the arrow AR11a. In this case, the transmission of the request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90 may be omitted.

Thereafter, the management device 90, which receives the request signal, issues authentication information and transmits the issued authentication information to the excavator PS, as indicated by arrow AR12. In this embodiment, the authentication information is a password that is valid only for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period is, for example, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the date of issue. The authentication information may be a password that is valid only for one start or a predetermined number of starts. However, the validity period of the authentication information may be indefinite.

In the example of Figure 5, the management device 90 has pre-registered the mobile terminal 200 carried by the operator of the shovel PS as a legitimate mobile terminal. The management device 90 has also pre-registered the shovel PS as a legitimate shovel. The management device 90 also associates information about the mobile terminal 200 carried by the operator of the shovel PS with information about the shovel PS. Therefore, when a request signal is received from the mobile terminal 200, the management device 90 can transmit the issued authentication information to the shovel PS.

The excavator PS that has received the authentication information displays the authentication information on the screen. In this embodiment, when the excavator PS receives a password as authentication information, it encodes the password into a QR code (registered trademark) and displays the QR code on the image display section 41 of the display device 40, as shown in partial diagram F3. The QR code may be other encoded information such as a barcode. The encoded information may also be a moving image. The excavator PS may also receive the encoded authentication information from the management device 90, rather than the authentication information before it is encoded.

The operator then uses the digital camera mounted on the mobile terminal 200 to capture an image of the image display unit 41 of the display device 40 on which the QR code is displayed. The mobile terminal 200 then recognizes the QR code displayed on the image display unit 41 from the image captured by the digital camera, and decodes the QR code to obtain the password. The mobile terminal 200 then transmits the obtained password to the management device 90, as indicated by arrow AR13. Note that the mobile terminal 200 may also transmit the recognized QR code to the management device 90. In this case, the decryption of the QR code is performed in the management device 90.

Then, the management device 90 compares the password (hereinafter referred to as the "first password") sent to the excavator PS with a password (hereinafter referred to as the "second password") obtained by decrypting the QR code extracted and recognized from the image captured by the digital camera mounted on the mobile terminal 200.

If it is determined that the first password and the second password match, the management device 90 authenticates the operator holding the mobile terminal 200 as a legitimate operator. Then, as shown by arrow AR14, the management device 90 transmits a restriction release command to the excavator PS to switch the state of the excavator PS from a start-restricted state to a restriction-released state.

Thereafter, the controller 30 of the shovel PS that has received the restriction release command switches the state of the shovel PS from the start restriction state to the restriction release state. In other words, the controller 30 becomes capable of outputting a start command to the starter motor 11b when the rotational position of the key cylinder 73 reaches "START."

Thereafter, with the shovel PS in the unrestricted state, the operator of the shovel PS can rotate the key cylinder 73 to "START" to start the engine 11 and operate the shovel PS to perform the desired work.

Thereafter, when the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires, the engine 11 stops and the excavator PS enters a start-restricted state, as indicated by arrow AR15.

In the example of FIG. 5, if the operator rotates the key cylinder 73 to "ACC" or "OFF" before the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires, the engine 11 stops, but the excavator PS remains in the unrestricted state. In this case, the operator can restart the engine 11 by rotating the key cylinder 73 again to "START." In other words, the operator does not need to display a QR code on the image display unit 41 of the display device 40 in order to restart the engine 11.

However, the excavator PS may be configured to enter a start-restricted state even if the operator rotates the key cylinder 73 to "ACC" or "OFF" before the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 expires. In this case, the operator can restart the engine 11 by operating the mobile terminal 200 to resend a request signal from the mobile terminal 200 to the management device 90, as long as the validity period of the authentication information issued by the management device 90 is still within the validity period.

In the example of FIG. 5, the management device 90 that has received the request signal may be configured to transmit the issued authentication information not only to the excavator PS as shown by the arrow AR12, but also to the mobile terminal 200. In this case, when the mobile terminal 200 acquires the second password, it may determine whether the first password, which is the password received from the management device 90, matches the second password. That is, the first password may be collated with the second password by the mobile terminal 200, not by the management device 90. Then, when it is determined that the first password matches with the second password, the mobile terminal 200 may authenticate the operator who holds the mobile terminal 200 as a legitimate operator, and then transmit a restriction release command to the excavator PS to switch the state of the excavator PS from the start restriction state to the restriction release state. The mobile terminal 200 may notify the management device 90 of the fact that the first password matches the second password, that is, the fact that the operator who holds the mobile terminal 200 has been authenticated as a legitimate operator. This is to allow the administrator to recognize that the authentication information issued by the management device 90 has been used correctly. In this case, the restriction release command may be transmitted from the management device 90 to the excavator PS, rather than from the mobile terminal 200.

With the above-described configuration, the shovel PS can authenticate the operator as a legitimate operator by having the operator perform a simple authentication procedure. In other words, the operator of the shovel PS can be authenticated as a legitimate operator and start the engine 11 simply by performing the simple authentication procedure. On the other hand, the shovel PS can prevent the engine 11 from being started illegally by an unauthorized operator. Therefore, the shovel PS can prevent theft without the need for any additional special devices.

When multiple operators share one immobilizer key for one shovel, the operator who plans to use the shovel must receive the immobilizer key in advance from another operator who has the immobilizer key. In contrast, with the shovel PS according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operator does not need to go through the complicated procedure of handing over the immobilizer key.

Furthermore, with the excavator PS according to an embodiment of the present invention, the administrator of the excavator PS does not need to perform cumbersome tasks such as pre-registering the biometric information of a large number of operators, which is necessary when introducing a biometric authentication system.

As described above, in an embodiment of the present application, the excavator PS that is communicatively connected to an external management device 90 is equipped with an engine 11 and is configured to receive authentication information issued by the management device 90 and permit starting of the engine 11 based on the authentication result based on the authentication information.

For example, the excavator PS is configured to receive a first password as authentication information issued by the management device 90, and when the second password acquired through an indoor camera 80P or a microphone mounted in the cabin 10 matches the first password, i.e., when an authentication result is obtained that the operator can be authenticated as a legitimate operator, allow the engine 11 to start. "Allowing the engine 11 to start" means, for example, that the controller 30 is in a state where it can output a start command to the starter motor 11b.

The excavator PS may be configured to permit the engine 11 to start when authentication information issued by the management device 90 is matched with authentication information input through a device mounted on the excavator PS. The device mounted on the excavator PS may be, for example, the input device 45, the indoor camera 80P, or a microphone.

For example, the excavator PS may be configured to permit the start of the engine 11 when a first password as authentication information issued by the management device 90 matches a second password as authentication information represented by a QR code captured by an indoor camera 80P installed in the cabin 10. The second password may be manually input via the input device 45.

The shovel PS may be configured to permit the engine 11 to be started based on a signal from the management device 90, for example. For example, when the management device 90 determines that the procedure shown in FIG. 5 is executed and that the first password transmitted to the shovel PS matches the second password obtained by decoding the QR code extracted and recognized from the image captured by the digital camera mounted on the mobile terminal 200, the management device 90 authenticates the operator holding the mobile terminal 200 as a legitimate operator. Then, the management device 90 transmits a restriction release command to the shovel PS to switch the state of the shovel PS from the start restriction state to the restriction release state. When the shovel PS receives the restriction release command, the shovel PS switches to the restriction release state and is in a state in which it can output a start command to the starter motor 11b. After that, the operator of the shovel PS can start the engine 11 by, for example, rotating the key cylinder 73 to "START" in the shovel PS that is in the restriction release state, and can operate the shovel PS to perform the desired work.

The authentication information issued by the management device 90 is preferably valid only for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the authentication information issued by the management device 90 is preferably invalidated after the predetermined period of time has elapsed. This configuration enables the excavator PS to increase security against unauthorized access. Because new authentication information is issued each time the excavator PS is used, problems related to forgetting or leaking authentication information can be reduced compared to a system in which the operator must manually input a PIN number or the like that is valid for a long period of time. As a result, the excavator PS can increase the confidentiality of authentication information when used in a sharing business such as a construction machinery rental business.

The excavator PS may be configured to permit the engine 11 to start when a first password, which is authentication information received from the management device 90 via the communication device T1, matches with a second password, which is authentication information input via the imaging device 80 (indoor camera 80P), as shown in Fig. 3, for example. Alternatively, the excavator PS may be configured to permit the engine 11 to start when a first password, which is authentication information transmitted by the management device 90, matches with a second password, which is authentication information input via the mobile terminal 200, as shown in Fig. 5, for example. With this configuration, the excavator PS can prevent unauthorized start of the engine 11 with a simple configuration.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, features described separately may be combined unless technical contradictions arise.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-142996, filed on August 2, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1: Lower traveling body 1A: Right traveling hydraulic motor 1B: Left traveling hydraulic motor 2: Swing mechanism 2A: Swing hydraulic motor 3: Upper rotating body 4: Boom 5: Arm 6: Bucket 7: Boom cylinder 8: Arm cylinder 9: Bucket cylinder 10: Cabin 11: Engine 11a: Alternator 11b: Starter motor 11c: Water temperature sensor 13: Regulator 14c: Oil temperature sensor 15: Pilot pump 16: Hydraulic oil line 17: Control valve 25: Pilot line 26: Operation device 28: Discharge pressure sensor 29: Operation pressure sensor 30: Controller 30a: Temporary memory unit 40: Display device 41: Image display unit 42: Input unit 42a: Light switch 42b: Wiper switch 42c: Window washer switch 43: Sound output device 45: Input device 47: Memory device 49: Gate lock lever 49a: Gate lock valve 70: Storage battery 72: Electrical equipment 73: Key cylinder 74: Engine control device 75: Engine speed adjustment dial 80: Imaging device 80B: Rear camera 80F: Front camera 80L: Left camera 80P: Interior camera 80R: Right camera 90: Management device 93: Communication network 200: Portable terminal CV: Side cover DR: Door S1: Boom angle sensor S2: Arm angle sensor S3: Bucket angle sensor S4: Aircraft tilt sensor S5: Turning angular velocity sensor T1: Communication device T2: GNSS receiver

Claims (12)

A shovel that is communicatively connected to an external management device,
A drive source is provided.
the start of the drive source is permitted when authentication information issued by the management device is matched with authentication information received by a mobile terminal and input through a device mounted on the shovel,
The device mounted on the shovel is installed inside a driver's cab having a door that can be locked by a mechanical key, and the mechanical key switches between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power is not supplied .
Shovel. The driving source is started using the mechanical key.
The shovel according to claim 1. A control device mounted on the shovel compares the authentication information issued by the management device with the authentication information input through a device mounted on the shovel,
permitting the start of the driving source based on a signal from the control device;
The shovel according to claim 1. The authentication information issued by the management device is valid only for a predetermined period of time,
When the predetermined period expires, the drive source is stopped or the movement of the shovel is restricted.
The shovel according to claim 1. A shovel that is communicatively connected to an external management device,
A drive source is provided.
the start of the drive source is permitted when authentication information issued by the management device is collated with authentication information input via a display device mounted on the shovel and an imaging device mounted on the mobile terminal,
The display device mounted on the shovel is installed inside a driver's cab having a door that can be locked by a mechanical key, and the display device is switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power is not supplied by the mechanical key .
Shovel. The device mounted on the shovel is an indoor camera that is provided so as to capture an image of an operator inside a cab, or a microphone that is provided so as to capture a sound played through a speaker of the mobile terminal.
The shovel according to claim 1. A management device;
A shovel configured to permit a start of a driving source based on an authentication result using authentication information issued by the management device,
the shovel is configured to permit the start of the drive source when authentication information issued by the management device is matched with authentication information received by a mobile terminal and input via a device mounted on the shovel,
The device mounted on the shovel is installed inside a driver's cab having a door that can be locked by a mechanical key, and the mechanical key switches between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power is not supplied .
Systems for excavators. The driving source is started using the mechanical key.
The system for a shovel according to claim 7. A control device mounted on the shovel compares the authentication information issued by the management device with the authentication information input through a device mounted on the shovel,
The shovel permits the start of the driving source based on a signal from the control device.
The system for a shovel according to claim 7. The authentication information issued by the management device is valid only for a predetermined period of time,
When the predetermined period expires, the drive source is stopped or the movement of the shovel is restricted.
The system for a shovel according to claim 7. A management device;
A shovel configured to permit a start of a driving source based on an authentication result using authentication information issued by the management device,
the shovel is configured to permit the start of the drive source when authentication information issued by the management device is collated with authentication information input via a display device mounted on the shovel and an imaging device mounted on a mobile terminal,
The display device mounted on the shovel is installed inside a driver's cab having a door that can be locked by a mechanical key, and the display device is switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power is not supplied by the mechanical key .
Systems for excavators. The device mounted on the shovel is an indoor camera that is provided so as to capture an image of an operator inside a cab, or a microphone that is provided so as to capture a sound played through a speaker of the mobile terminal.
The system for a shovel according to claim 7.

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