KR100926477B1 - Construction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The controller 102 of the construction machine 1 of the present invention controls the idle stop control function so as not to interfere with work or safety. The controller 102 switches between enabling and disabling the idle stop control function in response to the selection switch 30 operated by the user, and when the idle stop control function is valid, alarms / indicators 33, 34, 37, 38) are displayed. The controller 102 outputs an alarm to alarms / indicators 33, 34, 37, 38 in and out of the vehicle before the engine 101 is automatically stopped by the idle stop control. The controller 102 outputs an alarm to the alarms / indicators 33, 34, 37, 38 in and out of the car, and restarts the hydraulic circuit by the lock lever 23 even before restarting the engine 101 which has automatically stopped. The engine 101 is not restarted unless it is locked.

Construction machinery, controller, idle stop, alarm, restart

Description

Construction machinery {CONSTRUCTION MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a construction machine with an idle stop control function.

Recently, in order to save energy and protect the environment, it is required to equip construction machinery with an idle stop control function. The idle stop control function is a function of automatically stopping the engine when an idle state of the construction machine, that is, a state in which the construction machine waits with the engine operating, occurs. In a construction machine vehicle, an idling state frequently occurs temporarily while the work is being performed, and stopping the engine each time causes a problem. Therefore, it is proposed to stop the engine automatically when waiting time continues for some time or when it is detected that an operator moves away from the driver's seat (refer patent document 1, 2, 3).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-65097

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-13425

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-307142

When the engine is restarted after the engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop control, there is a fear that the construction machine may be operated unexpectedly depending on the position of the operation lever. Therefore, the idle stop control function should not be mounted on the construction machine unless safety measures are also taken when the engine is restarted.

The idle stop control function is generally known to be necessary for energy saving and environmental protection. However, there are cases where a problem occurs due to the idle stop control function. For example, in order to continue to operate the air conditioning equipment installed in the cab during the winter season or mid summer, it is necessary to continuously drive the compressor of the air conditioning equipment by the engine. When a hydraulic excavator equipped with a lifting magnet or a mobile crane (a rough crane or a crawler crane) is loading and unloading, it is necessary to continuously drive the generator or the hydraulic pump by the engine in order to maintain the holding force of the load. have. When working in a residential area or the like, frequent generation of noise and vibration when starting the engine becomes a problem. Frequent starting of the engine increases emissions of incomplete fuel gas, which adversely affects the environment.

In addition, when the engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop control, the ignition key is in the same on position as before the stop, so that the electrical circuit of the construction machine is in the energized state. If this condition continues for a long time, the battery is exhausted, which causes trouble in later work. Patent Literature 3 described above discloses that when the engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop control, the supply of electricity from the battery to the electric circuit is also automatically cut off. However, it may be difficult to automatically turn off the power supply regardless of the operator's operation from the viewpoint of work and safety.

An object of the present invention is to improve the safety of a construction machine equipped with an idle stop control function.

Another object is to prevent the idle stop control function from disturbing the work as much as possible.

The present invention relates to an engine, a work machine driven by power from the engine, and to a lock position and a lock release position, so that the work machine is disabled even when the engine is operating in the lock position, and the lock A construction machine equipped with a lock lever that enables the work machine in a released position, comprising: engine stop control means for automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state, and by the engine stop control means; After the engine stops automatically, engine restart control means for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation and the position of the lock lever are checked, and as long as the lock lever is in the lock release position, Engine restart controlling the engine restart means so as not to restart the engine in response. Provided with a support means.

According to the construction machine, after the engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop control, the engine is not restarted as long as the lock lever is in the lock release position. If the lock lever is in the locked position and the work machine is not to work even when the engine is restarted, restart of the engine can be performed. This prevents accidental operation of the construction machine upon restart of the engine, thereby improving safety.

In a preferred embodiment, an engine start warning means is further provided for outputting an engine start alarm when the engine restart means tries to restart the engine in response to the triggering operation. The engine start alarm is output to an alarm or indicator provided in the outer portion of the construction machine, so as to draw the attention of the worker around the construction machine. The engine start alarm is output to an alarm or indicator installed in the cab of the construction machine and is also given to the operator of the construction machine. The engine is restarted with a slight time delay from when the engine start alarm is output to give the operator or another worker a margin.

In a preferred embodiment, engine stop warning means is also provided for outputting an engine stop alarm when the engine stop control means tries to stop the engine automatically. An engine stop alarm is also given to the operator from an alarm or indicator in the cab, and from an alarm or indicator on the exterior part to an operator around the construction machine. In order to give the operator or another worker a certain amount of time, the engine is automatically stopped after a time delay from when the engine stop alarm is output. In particular, the operator is urged to the engine stop alarm, and can safely shut off the power supply of the construction machine by manual operation to stop the engine.

In a preferred embodiment, furthermore, a selection switch, selection control means for controlling the engine stop control means in one of valid and invalid in response to the selection switch, and while the engine stop control means is effective, Display control means for continuously outputting a predetermined display is provided in an indicator installed in the exterior part or the driver's seat. When it is necessary to continuously operate the air conditioning equipment, when unloading works are carried out by lifting magnets, cranes, etc., or when working in residential areas, etc., the operator disables the idle stop control function by a selection switch. In this way, the work by the idle stop control function, safety and the influence on the environment can be avoided. In addition, when the idle stop control function is effective, a predetermined display is displayed continuously inside and outside the car, so that an operator or a worker around him can pay attention to ensure safety.

A construction machine according to another aspect of the present invention is a construction machine including an engine and a work machine driven by power from the engine, the engine stop for automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state. Control means, engine restart control means for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation after the engine is automatically stopped by the engine stop control means, and the engine restart means in response to the trigger operation; When the engine is to be restarted, engine start alarm means for outputting an engine start alarm is provided. According to this construction machine, once the engine which has been automatically stopped is restarted, an engine restart warning is issued, so that an operator or people in the vicinity of the construction machine can recognize that the engine is restarted, and thus, if the engine restarts, It is possible to take care to ensure safety even if the construction machine suddenly operates. In a preferred embodiment, the engine is restarted with a slight time delay from when the engine start alarm is output in order to afford the operator or another worker.

A construction machine according to still another aspect of the present invention is a construction machine including an engine and a work machine driven by power from the engine, the engine configured to automatically stop the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state. A stop control means, engine restart control means for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation after the engine stops automatically by the engine stop control means, and the engine stop control means automatically restarts the engine. In the case of stopping, it is provided with the engine stop warning means which outputs an engine stop warning to the alarm or indicator provided in the exterior part of the said construction machine. According to this construction machine, when the engine stops automatically, an alarm is issued to the outside of the construction machine, so that those who are near the construction machine can recognize that the engine stops automatically, thereby ensuring safety. You can be careful to.

According to the present invention, the safety of the construction machine equipped with the idle stop control function is improved.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a hydraulic excavator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing the interior of the cab.

3 is a front view of the monitor apparatus in the cab.

4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus for controlling an engine.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the controller 102 in order to enable the operator to select whether or not to enable the idle stop control function.

6 is a diagram illustrating a change in the rotation speed of the engine 101 in the idle state.

7 is a flowchart of control for engine automatic stop by the controller 102.

8 is a flowchart of control for engine restart by the controller 102.

[Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings]

(1) hydraulic shovel

(3) upper pivot

(5) working machine

(10) Cab

(20) instrument panel

(21, 22) work machine control lever

(23) lock lever

24 monitor device

(24a) display screen

(30, 31, 32) selector switch

(33) character display

34 indicator lamps

37 alarms

38.Display panel

101 engine

102 controller

Next, specific examples of the construction machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a hydraulic excavator will be described.

1, the external appearance of the hydraulic excavator of this embodiment is shown.

The hydraulic excavator 1 includes a lower traveling body 2 and an upper swinging body 3 rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2 via a swing mechanism (not shown). do. On the upper swing body 3, a work machine 5, a power unit 4, and a cab 10 are provided. The work machine 5 includes a boom 51 that is rotatably mounted to the upper pivot body 3 with an arm 52 that is swingably connected to the tip of the boom 51. A packet 53 is pivotally connected to the tip of the arm 52.

An alarm 37 is mounted on a suitable portion of the outer portion of the hydraulic excavator 1, for example, on the outer surface of the cab 10 on the upper swing structure 3. The alarm 37 may be, for example, a lamp that emits an optical signal, a speaker that emits an audio signal, or a combination thereof. The alarm device 37 is configured to control the engine from being stopped by various alarms or information related to the stop control described later, for example, the idle stop control, or restarting the engine thereafter. Used to notify people working outside. Thus, when the hydraulic excavator 1 stops automatically during operation, and when the hydraulic excavator 1 resumes operation, it is necessary to prevent outsiders from accessing the hydraulic excavator 1 to ensure their safety. Can be. In place of or in combination with the alarms 37 described above, other alarms, for example, the display panel 38 mounted on the outer surface of the cab, may be provided. The display panel 38 displays the above alarms or information as marks or letters of light.

2, the inside of the cab 10 is shown. 3 shows the front panel of the monitor device 24 in the cab.

As shown in FIG. 2, the driver's seat 11 is provided in the center of the interior of the cab 10. In the front position of this driver's seat 11, the travel levers 13 and 14 and the travel pedals 15 and 16 for steering the lower traveling body 2 are arrange | positioned. In the vicinity of the travel pedal 16, an attachment pedal 17 for operating the attachment is provided. An instrument panel (console) 20 is provided along the edge of one side window 18.

Work machine operation levers 21 and 22 are respectively provided at both front positions of the driver's seat 11. These work machine operation levers 21 and 22 are for causing the boom 51 to move up and down, the arm 52 and the packet 53 to rotate, the turning operation of the upper swing body 3, and the like. . The lock lever 23 which can switch completely to a lock position and a lock release position is formed in the hatchway to a driver's seat. When the lock lever 23 is in the locked position, even when the engine is operating, the operation of the hydraulic circuit for operating the work machine 5 or the upper swing structure 3 by the power from the engine is stopped. In short, even if the engine is operating, when the lock lever 23 is in the locked position, the work machine 5 and the upper swing structure 3 are locked so that they cannot operate. On the other hand, when the lock lever 23 is in the unlocked position, the hydraulic circuit can be operated, so that the work machine 5 or the upper swing body 3 can operate. While the operator is operating the hydraulic excavator 1, the lock lever 23 is placed in the lock release position, and at this time, the lock lever 23 locks the doors by blocking the doors. When the operator is not operating the hydraulic excavator 1, the lock lever 23 is placed in the locked position, at this time, the lock lever 23 releases the hatch, and a person can freely get on and off the driver's seat 11. Done.

In addition, the cab 10 is provided with a monitor device 24 for transmitting information on the operation of the engine to the operator. The monitor apparatus 24 is arrange | positioned under the longitudinal strut 27 which divides the front window 26 and the one side window 18 of the cab 10, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitor device 24 includes a display screen 24a for displaying a message or an image indicating an engine state, and a keyboard for inputting a user's instruction to the monitor device 24 or a controller described later. Has 24b.

The controller described later of the hydraulic excavator 1 stops the engine automatically when the driving of the lower traveling body, the turning of the upper swinging body 3 and the operation of the work machine 5 continue to stop for a predetermined time. It is equipped with a control function. In the cab 10, selection switches 30, 31 or 32 are provided for the operator to arbitrarily select whether to enable or disable this idle stop control function. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the selection switch 30 is arrange | positioned on the console 20 of the driver's seat 11 side. Alternatively, the selection switch 31 may be provided on the grip of the operation lever 21 or 22. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the selection switch 30 may be provided on the keyboard 24b of the monitor device 24 described above.

In addition, when the idle stop control function is enabled by the selection of the selector switch 30, 31 or 32, an indicator or an alarm is also provided to notify or warn those outside the operator and the hydraulic excavator 1 of the idle stop control function. It is. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a character or image display 33 indicating that the idle stop control function is effective is displayed on the display screen 24a of the monitor device 24. Or, as shown in FIG. 2, the display lamp 34 arrange | positioned in front of the driver's seat 11 (for example, the upper part of a window frame etc.) turns on when an idling stop control function is effective. Not only the display in the cab 10 but also the alarm unit 37 or the display panel 38 of the external unit shown in FIG. 1 is turned on or displays a predetermined message, such that the idle stop control function is effective. Things to outsiders.

When the idle stop control function is effective, as described in detail later, the above-described indicators or alarms 33, 34, 37 or 38 in and out of the vehicle stop the engine by the idle stop control. It is also used to notify or warn the operator or others that the engine is restarting. As a result, as can be seen from the following explanation, even if the idle stop control is applied, trouble of work is prevented, and safety of the operator and the outside people is secured.

In FIG. 4, the structure of the apparatus for controlling the engine mounted in the hydraulic excavator 1 is shown.

As described above, the engine control device shown in FIG. 4 has an idle stop control function, and when the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an idle state (for example, a work machine operating lever is in a neutral state) for more than a predetermined time, The engine 101 is automatically stopped. The idle stop control function includes a function of alerting the inside and outside of the car before the engine 101 is automatically stopped when the idle state is continued. The operator in contact with the alarm sets the hydraulic excavator 1 state (for example, the position of the work machine 5) to a safe state even when the engine 101 stops, and then turns off the ignition switch 117. will be. In addition, the operator around the hydraulic excavator 1 knows that the engine 101 of the hydraulic excavator 1 will soon be stopped by contacting the alarm, for example, to avoid the hydraulic excavator 1 from approaching or the like. You will be careful not to interfere with your safety.

In addition, the idle stop control function has a function of restarting the engine 101 in response to a predetermined operation of an operator after automatically stopping the engine 101 as described above, and before restarting the engine 1, It includes the function of alarming inside and outside. The operator in contact with this alert will cope with the hydraulic excavator 1 not operating accidentally even when the engine 101 is restarted. In addition, the operator around the hydraulic excavator 1 knows that the engine 101 of the hydraulic excavator 1 will start soon by contacting the alarm, for example, to avoid approaching the hydraulic excavator 1. You will be careful not to interfere with your safety.

In the engine control apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a controller 102 connected to the engine 101 and various operation levers in the cab 10 described above, alarms / indicators in and out of a car, and the like are formed. Although the detailed description by illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the central processing unit which performs the predetermined computer program and performs the information processing for the various control which starts an idle stop control, the various programs required for the said program or the said control A storage device for storing data (tables, setting condition data, etc.), an input / output device for inputting and outputting various signals to or from an external circuit, and a timer 103 are provided.

In addition, a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic motor 104 driven by the engine 101 is provided. In this hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic motor 104 passes through the control valve 5 to various hydraulic actuators 106 (for example, the hydraulic cylinders of the boom, the arm and the packet of the work machine 5, and the upper part). Hydraulic motor for turning the revolving structure 3, various hydraulic motors in the lower traveling body 2, and the like. By the work machine operating gear 107 (pointing to the work machine operating levers 21 and 22 and the lock lever 23 shown in FIG. 2), the hydraulic actuator for the work machine 5 and the upper swing body 3 is operated. In addition, the hydraulic actuator of the lower traveling body 2 is operated by the traveling operation gear 108 (pointing to the traveling levers 13 and 14 and the traveling pedals 15 and 16 shown in FIG. 2). Moreover, the pressure reduction operation valve 109 is couple | bonded with the work machine operation gear 107, and the work machine operation gear 107 state from the hydraulic-electrical signal converter 109a attached to the pressure reduction operation valve 9 to the controller 102. An electrical signal representing is input. Similarly, the pressure reducing operation valve 110 is coupled to the driving operation gear 108 to the controller 102 from the hydraulic-electric signal conversion unit 110a attached to the pressure reducing operation valve 110. An electrical signal representing is input.

The engine 101 is a diesel engine, for example. The fuel injection pump 111, the governor 112, the governor drive motor 113, the potentiometer 114, etc. are attached to the engine 101, and these apparatuses 111, 112, 113, and 114 are a controller 102; ), The operation of the engine 101 is controlled. An engine starting device 115 for starting the engine 101 is connected to the engine 101. The engine starting device 115 includes a starter 116, an ignition switch 117, a battery 118, a battery relay 119, wirings connecting them, and the like. In the engine starter 115, when the operator turns the ignition switch 117 using the ignition key 120 to turn it to the start position C (C terminal), a start signal is applied to the starter 116 and the battery Power from 118 is supplied to the starter 116 via the battery relay 119, whereby the starter 116 rotates to start the engine 101. After the engine 101 starts, the operator automatically stops the ignition switch 117 in the on position (not shown). In this state, the battery 118 is connected with various electric circuits including the engine 101 and the controller 102, and the operation of the engine 101 is maintained. When the operator turns the ignition key 120 to turn the ignition switch 117 to an off position (not shown), the battery 118 is disconnected from various electric circuits starting with the engine 101 or the controller 102, The engine 101 stops.

When the ignition switch 117 stops at the on position, the controller 102 performs the above-described idle stop control, and in the process of this control, cuts off power supply to the engine 101 to automatically turn off the engine 101. And start the engine 101 by driving the starter 116 in response to a predetermined operation of the operator.

The limit switch 126 attached to the lock lever 23 described above with reference to FIG. 2 outputs the lock release signal to the controller 102 when the lock lever 23 is in the lock release position. The controller 102 grasps the position of the lock lever 23 by this lock release signal, and when the lock lever 23 is in the lock release position, the lock can be operated so that the hydraulic actuator 106 can be operated. When the lever 23 is not in the unlocked position, to stop the operation of the hydraulic actuator 106 (fix the hydraulic actuator 106 so as not to operate), to control the hydraulic circuit described above (control the hydraulic circuit). Signal lines are not shown).

Signals from the select switches 30, 31 or 32 already described with reference to FIG. 2 are input to the controller 102. FIG. The controller 102 selects whether to enable or disable the idle stop control function by the signals from the selection switches 30, 31 or 32.

The in-vehicle alarm / indicator 33 or 34 and the out-of-car alarm / indicator 37 or 38 described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 are connected to the controller 102. The controller 102, when the idle stop control is in effect, alerts / indicators 33 or 34 in the vehicle so as to issue an alarm or indication to reduce the disturbance of the operation according to the idle stop control or increase safety. Control the alarm / indicator 37 or 38 outside the car.

Hereinafter, various controls related to the idle stop control performed by the controller 102 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 5 shows the functional configuration of the controller 102 to enable the operator to select whether or not to enable the idle stop control function.

By executing the above computer program, the controller 102 performs the selection control process 40, the idle stop control process 41, and the display control process 42 as shown in FIG. 5. The selection control process 40 controls the idle stop control process 41 and the display control process 42 on / off in response to the selection switches 30, 31 or 32. In other words, upon receiving a signal from the selection switches 30, 31 or 32, the selection control processing 40 starts the idle stop control processing 41 and the display control processing 42. In other words, the idle stop control function becomes effective. Upon receiving the OFF signal from the selection switches 30, 31 or 32, the selection control process 40 stops the idle stop control process 41 and the display control process 42. FIG. In other words, the idle stop control function becomes invalid.

While the idle stop control function is valid, the idle stop control process 41 performs the control as specifically shown later. In the meantime, the display control process 42 informs the operator in the vehicle or another worker outside the vehicle that the idle stop control function is effective, and the alarm / indicator 33 or 34 in the vehicle and the external alarm / Activate the indicator 37 or 38. Thus, while the idle stop control function is in effect, for example, the display lamp 37 outside the car and the display lamp 34 inside the car are continuously lit, or the display panel 38 and the display screen 24a in the car are kept lit. An operation such as continuously outputting a predetermined notice display is performed.

In addition, as will be described in detail below, the display control process 42 is performed immediately before the engine 101 is stopped by the idle stop control process 41, and immediately after the engine 101 is restarted thereafter. An alarm is output from the in-vehicle alarm / indicator 33 or 34 and the out-of-vehicle alarm / indicator 37 or 38 so as to notify the operator of the inside of the vehicle and other workers outside the vehicle. Thereby, for example, immediately before the engine 101 is stopped by the idle stop control process 41 and immediately after the engine 101 is restarted, for example, the display lamp 37 outside the car and the display lamp inside the car ( 34 flashes or the display panel 38 outside the vehicle and the display screen 24a in the vehicle display a predetermined alarm indication, or the speaker 37 and the speaker in the vehicle (not shown) in the vehicle have a predetermined alarm sound. Alternatively, an operation such as outputting an alarm sound message is performed.

Hereinafter, the control operation by the idle stop control process 41 and the display control process 42 of the controller 102 mentioned above is demonstrated concretely.

First, control for automatically stopping the engine 101 will be described.

Although the hydraulic excavator 1 is in an idle state (engine 101), the traveling by the lower traveling body 2, the working by the work machine 5, and the turning by the upper swinging body 3 are also performed. Controller), the controller 102 measures the elapsed time when the idle state continues by the timer 103 (see FIG. 4) by the idle stop control process 41, and the elapsed time is elapsed. When the time reaches a certain threshold time, the engine 101 is automatically stopped. In this process, the controller 102, by the above-described display control process 42, the elapsed time measured by the timer 103 at a point in time before the time reaches the threshold time (i.e., that is, Before stopping the engine 101), a predetermined engine stop alarm is output as an alarm from the in-vehicle alarm / indicator 33 or 34 and the out-of-vehicle alarm / indicator 37 or 38 as an alarm. . As described above, the engine stop alarm is, for example, lighting of a lamp, display of a message, or output of an alarm sound or an audio message. This aspect of the engine shutdown alert may cause the operator or other worker to be notified that the engine 101 is about to stop soon, particularly for the operator, to urge the ignition switch 117 to turn off the power. It is preferable that it can be.

The control for stopping the engine will be described in more detail.

6 shows a change in the rotation speed of the engine 101 controlled by the idle stop control process 41 in the idle state.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is in the idling state, the idle stop control process 41 first performs decel control for lowering the rotation speed of the engine 101. The decel control drops the rotational speed of the engine 101 to the first deceleration speed (for example, about 100 to 50 rpm lower than the normal rotational speed) when the idle state is started, and then a predetermined time thereafter. At the time t1 (for example, a few seconds) has elapsed, the low idle is dropped to the second deceleration speed (for example, approximately 1400 rpm), and at a time t2 after a predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds) has elapsed. Lower to revolutions (e.g., approximately 900 rpm). Then, when the engine speed shifts to the low idle speed, the engine stop alarm is output by the display control process 42 described above.

In response to the engine stop alarm, the operator will operate the ignition key 120 to turn off the ignition switch 117. At this time, the operator operates the work machine operation gear 107 and the travel operation gear 108 (see FIG. 4) before turning off the ignition switch 117, and the position or posture of the hydraulic excavator 1 or the work machine ( The position and the like of 1) are to be made safe, and the lock lever 23 is set to the locked position so that the hydraulic circuit will not be operated. As a result, the engine 101 stops in a state where safety is ensured, and the problem of discharge of the battery 118 also does not occur. In this way, when the engine stop alarm is called and the operator turns off the ignition switch 117, all of the basic operation functions of the hydraulic excavator such as the controller 102 are stopped. At the time of restarting the hydraulic excavator 1 after that, the controller 102 and the hydraulic circuit are started from an initial state.

By the way, when the ignition switch 117 is left on even after the engine stop alarm is issued, the idle stop control at time t3 after the alarm is generated and a predetermined time (for example, approximately tens to tens of seconds) has elapsed. The process 41 stops the engine 101. Thus, even if the engine 101 stops automatically, safety improves by the above-mentioned engine stop warning mentioned above. This is because the worker around the hydraulic excavator 1 knows that the engine 101 of the hydraulic excavator 1 will stop soon when it comes in contact with the engine stop alarm, so as not to be close to the hydraulic excavator 1. For this reason, appropriate attention can be paid to them.

Fig. 7 shows the flow of control for engine automatic stop described above.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is checked in step S1 whether the hydraulic excavator 1 is currently in an idling state. If the hydraulic excavator 1 is in the idling state (yes), control proceeds to step S2 and it is checked whether the elapsed time from the start of the idling state to the present has reached a predetermined alarm occurrence time. When the hydraulic excavator 1 is not currently in the idle state, and when the elapsed time from the start of the idle state has not yet reached the alarm occurrence time, control proceeds to step S3 and the operation of the engine 101 is continued. With this control, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is in the idling state, the decel control described with reference to FIG. 6 is also executed. The alarm generation time may be a fixed value or may be arbitrarily set by the operator.

In step S2, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the idle state, control proceeds to step S4, where the engine stop alarm described above is provided with the alarms / indicators 33 and 34 in the car and the alarm / display outside the car. It is output from (37, 38).

Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S5, where it is checked whether the hydraulic excavator 1 is still in the idle state, and if not, the control returns to the above-described step S3. If it is still in the idle state, control proceeds to step S6, where it is checked whether the elapsed time from the start of the idle state has reached a predetermined threshold time, and if it has not yet reached, operation of the engine in step S7 (Fig. 6). Operation at the indicated low idle speed) is continued.

If the threshold time has elapsed while the idling state continues, control proceeds to step S8, where the engine 101 is stopped, and engine restart control is started in step S9. Here, the engine restart control is control for restarting the engine 101 in response to a predetermined operation of the operator after the engine 101 is automatically stopped as described below. The threshold time may be a fixed value or may be arbitrarily set by the operator.

8 shows the flow of engine restart control by the controller 102.

As shown in FIG. 8, when engine restart control is started, it is checked in step S11 whether a predetermined trigger operation was performed by an operator. Here, the trigger operation is an operation in which the controller 102 gives a signal for requesting engine restart. As the trigger operation, for example, one in which the ignition switch 117 is turned to the start position C can be employed. As shown in FIG. 4, when the ignition switch 117 is turned to the start position C, a start signal is applied to the starter 116 and a restart signal is transmitted to the controller 2. Alternatively, the trigger operation may be such that an engine restart switch (not shown) separately installed in the cab 10 is pressed, and a restart signal is input to the controller 102 from the engine restart switch. Alternatively, the trigger operation may be one in which the work machine operation gear 107 is operated. As shown in FIG. 4, when the work machine operation lever 107 is operated, the potentiometer 121 attached to this transmits the restart signal to the controller 2. As shown in FIG. In any case, when a trigger operation is performed, a restart signal is input to the controller 102.

Referring back to FIG. 8, in step S11, while the restart signal is not yet input to the controller 102, the stopped state of the engine 101 is maintained. When the restart signal is input to the controller 102, control proceeds to step S12, where the controller 102 determines whether the lock lever 23 is in the current lock position, i.e., the hydraulic circuit is not in operation. Check As a result, when the lock lever 23 is not in the current lock position, the stopped state of the engine 101 is still maintained.

In step 12, when it is determined that the lock lever 23 is in the current lock position, the control proceeds to step S13, in which the above-described engine start alarm is an alarm / indicator 33, 34 in the car and an alarm / indication outside the car. It is output from (37, 38). In contact with the engine start warning, the operator recognizes that the engine 101 will soon start, and is careful to ensure safety with respect to the operation of the lock lever 23, the work machine operating gear 107, and the travel operating gear 108. something to do. In addition, the worker around the hydraulic excavator 1 expects that the engine 101 of the hydraulic excavator 1 will operate as soon as it comes into contact with the engine stop alarm, so as not to be close to the hydraulic excavator 1. Etc., will take appropriate care. In this way, safety due to engine restart is improved.

After the engine start warning is output, the controller 102 waits for a predetermined waiting time (for example, several seconds) in step S14 (during the waiting time, the engine start warning may continue to be output). The waiting time may be a fixed value or may be arbitrarily set by the operator. When this waiting time has elapsed and the lock lever 23 is still in the locked position, the controller 102 sends a start signal to the starter 116 shown in FIG. 2 and simultaneously turns on the starter relay 119. Power is supplied from the battery 118 to the starter 116, thereby driving the starter 116 to start the engine 101. After the engine 101 starts, the engine stop control shown in FIG. 7 starts again in step S9.

When the engine 101 is started, the hydraulic pump 4 is also driven. At this time, as confirmed in step S12, the lock lever 23 is in the locked position. Therefore, there is no fear that the hydraulic excavator 1 may operate accidentally. After starting the engine 101, the operator switches the lock lever 23 to the unlocked position after confirming the safety around the operator, and operates the work machine operating gear 107 and the traveling operating gear 108 to perform the work. Will start. Therefore, the safety by engine restart is further improved.

As described above, when restarting the engine 101, it is necessary to satisfy the double safety condition that the engine start alarm is issued in advance and the lock lever 23 is in the locked position. As a modification, if only one of these double safety conditions is satisfied, control may be employed to restart the engine 101. For example, even if the lock lever 23 is not in the locked position, the engine 101 may be restarted after the engine start warning is given in advance. Alternatively, if the lock lever 23 is in the locked position, the engine 101 may be restarted without a prior engine start warning.

According to the above-described embodiment, the operator can disable the idle stop control function as necessary, so that in the situation where the idle stop control function may rather interfere with the work or adversely affect the surrounding environment, such a problem. Can be prevented.

In addition, when the idle stop control function is effective, the operator or other workers can be notified of the effect, so that the operator or another worker can ensure safety even if the engine is automatically stopped or restarted by the idle stop control. Care can be taken to secure it.

In particular, when the engine is to be stopped soon by the idle stop control, an engine stop alarm is issued in advance. Therefore, before the engine automatically stops, the operator can turn off the power more safely and stop the engine by manual operation. In addition, other workers around can be careful to ensure safety even if the engine is stopped automatically.

In particular, when attempting to restart the engine automatically stopped by the idle stop control, an engine start alarm is issued in advance. Therefore, before the engine is restarted, the operator and other workers around him can take care to ensure safety even when the engine starts.

In addition, as long as the lock lever is in the locked position to operate the hydraulic circuit, the engine is not restarted. Therefore, there is no fear that the hydraulic excavator may operate accidentally when the engine is restarted.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is only an illustration for description of this invention, and it is not the meaning which limits the scope of this invention only to this embodiment. This invention can be implemented also in other various aspects, without deviating from the summary. The present invention can be applied to not only hydraulic excavators but also various other construction machines.

According to the present invention, the safety of the construction machine equipped with the idle stop control function is improved.

Claims (13)

The engine 101, the work machine 5 driven by the power from the engine, and the lock position and the lock release position can be switched to the lock position so that the work machine is inoperable even when the engine is operating. In the construction machine (1) having a lock lever (23) for enabling the work machine in the lock release position, Engine stop control means (102, S8) for automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state, Engine restart control means (102, S15) for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation after the engine stops automatically by the engine stop control means; Engine restart prohibiting means (102, S12, S14) for checking the position of the lock lever and controlling the engine restart means not to restart the engine in response to a triggering operation as long as the lock lever is in the lock release position; Construction machinery with. The method of claim 1, And an engine start warning means (102, S13) for outputting an engine start alarm when the engine restart means tries to restart the engine in response to the triggering operation. The method of claim 2, And the engine start alarm means outputs the engine start alarm to an alarm or indicator (37, 38) installed in an exterior of the construction machine. The method of claim 2, And the engine start alarm means outputs the engine start alarm to an alarm or indicator (33, 34) installed in the cab of the construction machine. The method of claim 2, And the engine restarting means restarts the engine after being delayed from when the engine start alarm is output. The method of claim 1, And an engine stop warning means (102, S4) for outputting an engine stop alarm when the engine stop control means is to automatically stop the engine. The method of claim 6, And the engine stop alarm means outputs the engine stop alarm to an alarm or indicator (33, 34) installed in the cab of the construction machine. The method of claim 6, And said engine stop alarm means outputs said engine stop alarm to an alarm or indicator (37, 38) provided on an exterior of said construction machine. The method of claim 6, And said engine stop means stops said engine at a delay from when said engine stop alarm is output. The method of claim 1, With select switches 30, 31, 32, Selection control means (40) for controlling the engine stop control means to one of valid and invalid in response to the selection switch; And a display control means (42) for continuously outputting a predetermined display to an indicator installed in the exterior part or the driver's seat of the construction machine while the engine stop control means is effective. An engine, a work machine driven by power from the engine, and a lock position and a lock release position can be switched, so that the work machine is disabled even in the lock position even when the engine is operating, and in the lock release position In the control method of the engine in the construction machine provided with the lock lever which enables the said working machine, Automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state; Restarting the engine in response to a predetermined triggering operation when the lock lever is in the lock position after the engine is automatically stopped Control method of the engine of the construction machine comprising a. In the construction machine (1) having an engine (101) and a work machine (5) driven by power from the engine, Engine stop control means (102, S8) for automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state, Engine restart control means (102, S15) for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation after the engine stops automatically by the engine stop control means; Engine start alarm means 102, S13 for outputting an engine start alarm to the alarms or indicators 37 and 38 provided in the exterior of the construction machine when the engine restart means attempts to restart the engine in response to the trigger operation. ) Construction machinery with. In the construction machine (1) having an engine (101) and a work machine (5) driven by power from the engine, Engine stop control means (102, S8) for automatically stopping the engine when the construction machine is in an idle state, Engine restart control means (102, S15) for restarting the engine in response to a predetermined trigger operation after the engine stops automatically by the engine stop control means; Engine stop alarm means 102, S4 which outputs an engine stop alarm to the alarms or indicators 37 and 38 provided in the exterior of the construction machine when the engine stop control means tries to stop the engine automatically. Construction machinery with.

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