KR101662633B1 - Apparatus and method for controlling automatic idle of construction machinary - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlling automatic idle of construction machinery. In construction machinery having an automatic idle function, all conditions in accordance with various working environments are reflected to accurately detect a working will of a worker, thereby automatically stopping and restarting an engine to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION [0002] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AUTOMATIC IDLE OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINARY [

The present invention relates to an automatic idle control apparatus and method for automatically stopping and restarting an engine in an idle state of a construction machine.

Generally, in construction machines including excavators and loaders, fuel efficiency reduction is classified as the most important improvement factor, and logic for the auto idle function is added as one of research and development for this.

The auto idle function is a function that the construction machine performs the operation with a certain range of engine speed (RPM) after turning on the engine, and the engine of the construction machine is idle because the operation is stopped or the work is not performed for a long time. State, it will automatically switch to the minimum engine RPM (idle engine RPM).

In this regard, the prior art document No. 10-2013-0127467 (entitled "Engine idling control device for excavator and method thereof") disclosed in 2013 automatically stops or drives the engine according to the operation state of the safety device in the excavator And the like. However, the conventional prior art document only describes that the engine is stopped and driven according to the ON / OFF state of the safety device, so that the safety device is kept in an ON state (operation is possible) There is a problem that unnecessary fuel is consumed.

In addition, many technologies have been applied to the construction machine that incorporate the auto idle function. Most of them are related to the technology to automatically stop the engine according to the operation state by detecting the operation of the movable pedal or the operation switch or the hydraulic cylinder, There is a problem that the conditions for the environment are not reflected in a complex manner. That is, since it is not possible to more accurately detect the work intention of the operator, the problem of still consuming unnecessary fuel is not solved.

In addition, most conventional prior art discloses only a technique for automatically stopping the engine in the idle state of a construction machine, and does not disclose a technique for automatically restarting the engine in the automatic stop mode. In particular, And the case where the restart is unnecessarily performed is not considered.

Korean Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-2013-0137467 (entitled " Engine idling control device for excavator and method thereof, publication date: 2013.11.22.)

The present invention relates to a construction machine having an auto-idle function, which accurately reflects an operation intention of an operator by reflecting all the conditions according to various work environments, and automatically stops and restarts the engine accordingly, thereby preventing unnecessary fuel consumption. And an object of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus and method.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an auto idle control device of a construction machine capable of controlling the rotation state of the engine more accurately by switching the engine to an idle state by using an engine exhaust after- Method.

It is a further object of the present invention to prevent the case where the battery of the construction machine is discharged and can not be restarted due to the power consumption by the high load electric device when the engine is restarted after the engine is stopped, .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic idle control apparatus for a construction machine, the automatic idle control apparatus comprising: a function selection switch for setting on / off of an auto idle function in a construction machine; An engine control unit for controlling the engine RPM of the construction machine; And when the setting of the function selection switch is on and the load of the current engine is no load, the control unit outputs an auto-idle signal to the engine control unit to enter an auto-idle mode. In the auto- idle mode, And an auto idle control unit for detecting an operation state of the processing apparatus and outputting an auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine to the engine control unit if both of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus are not operating.

The engine control unit controls the current engine RPM to be lowered to a low RPM of the auto idle state when the auto idle signal is received from the auto idle control unit and receives the auto idle stop signal from the auto idle control unit The operation of the engine is forcibly stopped.

The auto idle control unit checks the battery voltage of the construction machine or the cooling water temperature for warm-up of the engine, so that both the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus are not operated, And outputs the auto idle stop signal when the cooling water temperature is higher than the reference voltage or the cooling water temperature is higher than the reference temperature.

The exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic idle control method for a construction machine, the method including: receiving an on / off setting of an auto idle function through a function selection switch of a construction machine; Outputting an auto-idle signal to an engine control unit and entering an auto-idle mode if the setting of the function selection switch is on and the load of the current engine is no-load; Detecting the presence or absence of operation of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus to check the operation state of the auto idle control unit of the construction machine; And if both of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus are not working, an auto idle control section of the construction machine outputs an auto idle stop signal to the engine control section to stop the auto idle stop The auto idle control unit of the construction machine checks the battery voltage of the construction machine and determines whether the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage step; Wherein the auto idle control unit of the construction machine further includes a step of checking a cooling water temperature for engine warm-up of the construction machine and determining whether the cooling water temperature is higher than a reference temperature, in the step of outputting the auto idle stop signal, It is possible to output the auto idle stop signal only when both the actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus are in operation and the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage or the cooling water temperature is higher than the reference temperature.

According to the present invention, the automatic stop and restart function of the engine can be easily implemented according to the user's selection by fully reflecting the state of the engine, the on or off state of the function selection switch, and the will of the user.

The present invention detects the operation of the engine exhaust after-treatment apparatus of a construction machine and controls the rotation state of the engine by using the result, so that it is possible to control the rotation state of the engine more accurately in conjunction with the operation of the engine.

In addition, by automatically stopping or restarting the engine, it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption and the carbon dioxide generation, as well as to prevent the state of being unable to restart due to power consumption by shutting off the power supply of the high- have. Further, it is possible to more reliably detect the work intention of the worker and to prevent a problem that the worker is unnecessarily restarted.

1 is a block diagram of an automatic idle control apparatus for a construction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an auto idle of a construction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic idle control method of a construction machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing a safety lever according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a detailed flowchart of the method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an auto idle of a construction machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an auto idle of a construction machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an auto idle of a construction machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
9 and 10 are detailed flowcharts of the method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an auto idle of a construction machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a time graph illustrating the automatic engine restart mode according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

It is noted that the technical terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Also, the technical terms used herein should be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined in this specification, and it should be understood that an overly comprehensive It should not be construed as a meaning or an overly reduced meaning.

Also, the singular forms "as used herein include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, the term "comprising" or "comprising" or the like should not be construed as necessarily including the various elements or steps described in the specification, Or may be further comprised of additional components or steps.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an automatic idle control apparatus for a construction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of an excavator, the construction machine includes a lower traveling body having a traveling device driven by a traveling hydraulic motor, a swinging device driven by the swinging hydraulic motor, and an upper swinging body And a working machine mounted at a front central position of the upper revolving structure, wherein a cab is provided in the upper revolving structure. The working machine includes a boom movably connected vertically to the upper revolving body, an arm rotatably connected to the boom, and a bucket rotatably connected to the arm, and a hydraulic cylinder for operating them, i.e., a boom cylinder, an arm cylinder, And a cylinder.

A driver's seat is provided in the cab, and a traveling lever, a traveling pedal, and an attachment pedal are mounted in front of the driver's seat to control the lower traveling body. An operation lever is provided on both sides of the driver's seat, and a safety lever, a console panel, a display, and the like are provided on one side of the operation lever.

The auto idle control device for controlling the auto idles of the construction machine having such a structure basically includes a star key switch 110, a function selection switch 120, a construction machine control unit 130, and an auto idle control unit 160 And can be linked to safety levers, operating levers, boarding sensors, etc. mounted on the construction machine to detect various working conditions when the auto idle control is performed.

The construction machine control unit 130 includes an engine power optimization system (EPOS) 140 for controlling the supply of the power source 142, an engine control unit 150 for controlling the RPM of the engine 152, And an engine control unit (ECU)

The power control unit 140 selectively supplies power according to the setting of the ignition key switch 110.

The ignition key switch 110 is an operating means for turning on / off the starting of the construction machine.

The function selection switch 120 is an operating means for setting on / off of the auto idle function of the construction machine.

The starter key switch 110 and the function selector switch 120 are operated by an operator and may be provided in the form of a rotary dial or a toggle button.

The safety lever (see 10 in FIG. 4) is operated by a worker for safe operation of the construction machine. The safety lever is provided at one side of the driver's seat and operates when the operator leaves or is aboard the driver's seat.

The operation lever manipulates the operation of the machine including the boom, arm and bucket of the construction machine. For example, it is possible to manipulate the up and down movement of the boom, the rotation of the arm and the bucket, the turning of the upper revolving body, and the like.

The boarding detection sensor is a sensor for detecting whether a worker is aboard the driver's seat, and may be a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, or an optical sensor installed in the driver's seat. The boarding detection sensor may be installed in the seat portion or the backrest portion of the driver's seat and may be provided in plural for more accurate sensing. For example, a plurality of boarding sensors may be provided in an area of the operator's buttocks in order to accurately sense that an operator has boarded. In addition, it is preferable that the sensing value of the boarding sensor is output only when the boarding is maintained for a certain period of time from the time when the boarding of the operator starts to be sensed. In this way, only when the occupant's boarding state lasts for a certain period of time, it is determined that the worker is aboard, so that the auto idle control unit can more accurately control the worker's work intention and control the rotation state of the engine.

The function selection switch 120, the safety lever, the operation lever, and the boarding detection sensor are associated with the auto-idle control unit 160 to provide various work environment conditions when the auto-idle control is performed. That is, depending on whether or not the auto idle control section 160 is set by the function selection switch 120, depending on whether the operation lever is operated or not, depending on whether the safety lever is locked or not, Stop function or an engine automatic restart function adaptively.

The auto idle control unit 160 may output an alarm to the alarm 170 and the display unit 180 when the engine automatic stop function or the engine restart function is performed, thereby visually and audibly displaying the control state.

In particular, the auto-idle control unit 160 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs the auto-idle function according to the setting of the function selection switch 120. When the load of the current engine is unloaded, the engine RPM is set to the low ) RPM. After that, it is judged based on various conditions, and when the operation is not performed, the automatic idle stop mode is entered and the engine is forcibly stopped.

In addition, the auto idle control unit 160 controls the engine to enter the engine automatic restart mode in the engine automatic stop mode and to restart the engine when the work intention of the operator is detected in the state where the engine is forcibly stopped.

Hereinafter, an engine automatic stop function, a method for controlling the automatic engine restart function, and an apparatus using the same will be described in detail.

Example  One

See FIG.

The automatic idle control device of the construction machine according to the first embodiment can be implemented basically including a function selection switch (120 in FIG. 1), an auto idle control portion (160 in FIG. 1), and an engine control portion .

The auto-idle control unit outputs the auto-idle signal to the engine control unit to enter the auto-idle mode when the function selection switch is turned on and the load of the current engine is no-load state. Thereafter, the auto idle control unit determines whether the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus operate or not, and enters the engine automatic stop mode according to the determination result.

The hydraulic actuator is a hydraulic cylinder that controls the operation of the machine including boom, arm, and bucket.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device for suppressing harmful exhaust gas generated during operation of a construction machine. Typically, a diesel particulate filter (hereinafter, referred to as DPF) is a particulate matter (PM) Is burnt at a high temperature of 550 ° C or higher. Since the DPF operates only when a certain amount of particulate matter (PM) accumulates, the DPF consumes a lot of energy when the DPF is operated. If the engine is stopped, the DPF may be damaged. It is better to stop.

In addition, the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus includes a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) that oxidizes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by catalytic reaction to increase the ratio of nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ), a selective reduction catalyst Catalytic Reduction (SCR), urea mixing device (urea water mixing device), and the like.

In recent years, as the atmospheric environment standard has been strengthened, it is becoming more and more mandatory to install exhaust gas aftertreatment devices in construction machines that mainly use diesel engines. The present invention can control the number of revolutions of the engine in conjunction with whether or not the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus operates. It is also possible to control the number of revolutions of the engine in conjunction with the operation of the exhaust gas post-treatment device as well as the filtration process of each exhaust gas post-treatment device. For example, when the diesel oxidation catalyst is installed, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ) in the exhaust gas is detected. If the concentration of nitrogen dioxide is higher than the reference value, it is determined that the exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus does not operate. It is determined that the processing apparatus is operating, and the determination result can be used for controlling the rotation state of the engine. When the urea mixing device is mounted, it is also possible to determine the presence or absence of the urea water and use it for controlling the engine rotation state.

The auto idle control unit judges whether the hydraulic actuator operates and whether the exhaust gas aftertreatment device operates or not. If both the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas aftertreatment device (DPF) are in an inoperative state, do. At this time, the engine control unit controls the engine in accordance with the presence or absence of the operation of the hydraulic actuator and the operation of the exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus, so that the auto idle control unit outputs information on the presence / absence of operation of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post- (Checks) whether or not the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus operate based on the received information.

In addition, the auto idle control unit can check the battery voltage and the engine warm-up state in addition to the operation of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus, and control the engine automatic stop mode accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 2, in step S100, the auto idle control unit of the construction machine receives the ON and OFF settings for the auto idle function through the function selection switch. Here, the on / off setting for the auto idle function means to set whether or not the automatic engine stop function or the engine automatic restart function is to be performed in the idle state.

In the first embodiment, the auto idle control unit turns on the auto idle mode when the auto idle function is set to on via the function selection switch.

In step S110, the auto idle control unit checks the current load state of the engine and checks whether the auto idle state is the no-load state.

If it is determined that the load of the current engine is not a no-load state, the auto idle mode is canceled in step S120. That is, the logic of the auto-idle function is not performed.

If the load of the current engine is no load, the auto idle control unit outputs an auto idle signal corresponding to the low RPM to the engine control unit in step S130. Accordingly, the engine control unit receives the auto-idle signal from the auto-idle control unit and controls the current engine RPM to be lowered to the low RPM corresponding to the auto-idle signal.

In step S140, the auto idle control unit detects whether the hydraulic actuator is operated to check the work state.

In step S160, the auto idle control unit detects whether the DPF as the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus is operating. In step S160, it is also possible to detect the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the exhaust gas, the presence of urea water (ammonia liquid), the concentration of nitrogen oxide, the generation of water, and the concentration of particulate matter (PM). Therefore, the detection of the operation of the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus in step S160 may include sensing various factors.

Although steps S140 and S160 are shown in time series for ease of understanding, they may be performed independently of the time series, or may be performed independently of each other.

If the operation of the hydraulic actuator is detected in step S140, that is, if the hydraulic actuator is confirmed to be in the operating state, the engine is returned to the RPM of the previous operation as in step S150.

On the other hand, if the operation of the hydraulic actuator is not detected in step S140, that is, if the hydraulic actuator is confirmed to be in an unoperated state, the auto idle controller may perform step S160.

In step S160, if the auto idle control unit detects the operation of the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus, the previous auto idle mode is maintained in step S152.

If it is determined in step S160 that the operation of the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus is not detected, it is determined that the operation of the auto-idle control unit is not performed and a signal for stopping the engine to the engine control unit Signal) to enter the engine automatic stop mode.

In the next step, in step S161, the auto idle control unit checks the battery voltage. The battery voltage can detect the voltage in accordance with the electric power generated in the battery in the power supply control unit.

In step S162, the auto idle controller compares the battery voltage with the reference voltage.

If the battery voltage is lower than the reference voltage, the previous auto-idle mode is maintained as in step S152. If the battery voltage is higher than the existing voltage, step S163 is performed.

In step S163, the auto idle control unit checks the engine warm-up state. That is, the cooling water temperature required for engine warm-up can be measured.

In step S164, the auto idle control unit compares the measured coolant temperature with a reference temperature.

If the cooling water temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the previous auto idle mode is maintained as in step S152. If the cooling water temperature is higher than the existing temperature, step S170 is performed.

In step S170, the auto idle control unit outputs an auto idle stop signal for stopping the engine to the engine control unit. Accordingly, the engine control unit receives the auto idle stop signal from the auto idle control unit and forcibly stops the operation of the engine. Further, the auto idle control unit may transmit the auto idle stop signal for stopping the engine to the control unit for controlling the fuel supply, thereby forcibly stopping the engine by interrupting the fuel supply.

Meanwhile, the auto idle control unit checks the battery voltage state and the engine warm-up state at steps S161-162 and S163-164, and when both conditions are satisfied simultaneously, that is, when the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage, And may output a signal for stopping the engine only when it is higher than the reference temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may selectively reflect the battery voltage state or the engine warm-up state to reflect the operation state.

As described above, in the first embodiment, various conditions such as the operation of the hydraulic actuator, the operation state of the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus, the battery voltage state, and the engine warm-up state are grasped and at least one operation state is detected, When the condition is satisfied simultaneously, the engine enters the automatic stop mode.

Example  2

FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts for explaining an auto idle control method of a construction machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a safety lever according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

1), a power supply control unit (140 in FIG. 1), an engine control unit (150 in FIG. 1), and a control lever , And an auto-idle control unit (160 of FIG. 1).

The safety lever (10 in FIG. 4) is operated by the operator for safe operation of the construction machine. The power control section (140 in FIG. 1) controls the boom, the arm and the bucket according to the locking state of the safety lever The power supply is selectively supplied to the work machine including the work machine, thereby enabling or disabling the operation of the work machine. In addition, the power supply control unit (140 in FIG. 1) may be involved in controlling other electronic devices such as a cooling fan of a construction machine, an air conditioner, and the like.

The engine control unit 150 of FIG. 1 basically controls the engine of the construction machine. In recent years, the engine control unit 150 (FIG. 1) integrally performs the control necessary for the operation of the construction machine including the function of the power supply control unit (140 in FIG. 1).

The safety lever (10 in FIG. 4) is provided at one side of the operation lever 20 located in the driver's seat of the construction machine, and can set a lock or unlock lock state in accordance with the upward and downward rotation. When the safety lever is set to lock, the hydraulic pressure is cut off so that the fluid of the hydraulic devices does not move.

The auto-idle control unit (160 of FIG. 1) outputs the auto-idle signal to the engine control unit and enters the auto-idle mode when the function selection switch is turned on and the load of the current engine is no-load. Then, when the auto idle control unit confirms and confirms the lock state of the safety lever, the engine enters the automatic stop mode when a predetermined time elapses. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In the first step S200, the auto idle control unit receives the on / off setting of the auto idle function through the function selection switch. When the ON setting for the auto-idle function is input from the function selection switch, the mode for executing the logic of the auto-idle function is turned on.

In the next steps S210 to S230, the auto idle control unit confirms whether the load of the current engine is no-load, and outputs the auto idle signal corresponding to the low RPM to the engine control unit when the load is no-load state. If it is not a no-load state, it releases the auto-idle mode and does not execute the logic of the auto-idle function.

In the next step S240, the auto idle control unit determines the lock state of the safety lever.

In a next step S250, it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the auto idle control unit confirms the locked state of the safety lever. At this time, the elapsed time can be distinguished and checked according to the locked state. When the safety lever is in the locked state, the operator is willing not to perform the operation, so that the engine is automatically stopped in the shortest time, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Finally, in step S260, when a predetermined time has elapsed according to the locked state of the safety lever, the auto idle control unit outputs an auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine. The auto idle stop signal is transmitted to the engine control unit to forcibly stop the engine or to the control unit for controlling the supply of the fuel so as to forcibly block the supply of the fuel. If the engine can be stopped using a method other than the engine control and the fuel cutoff method, the auto idle stop signal may be modified into a form suitable for the corresponding method And control it.

For example, in steps S261 and S262 of FIG. 5, the auto idle control unit determines whether the lock lever state of the safety lever has exceeded t1 (for example, 3 seconds) from the confirmed time point.

If t1 is exceeded, in step S263, the auto idle control unit outputs an auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine. Accordingly, when the safety lever is in the locked state, the engine enters the automatic stop mode after 3 seconds have elapsed, so that the engine can be automatically stopped in the shortest time.

In step S264, it is determined whether the auto idle control unit exceeds t2 (for example, 55 seconds), which is a relatively longer time than t1, from the time when the safety lever is confirmed to be unlocked. This is a step for counting the warning alarm time before forcibly stopping the engine if the safety lever is not set to the unlocked state but there is no long time work.

t2, in step S265, the auto idle control unit outputs a warning sound to the alarm. Therefore, the operator is warned in advance that the engine will be stopped.

Then, in steps S266 and S267, it is determined whether the time t3 (for example, 60 seconds) is exceeded from the time point at which the auto idle control section is confirmed. When the time t3 is exceeded, the auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine is output, Stop.

In the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the engine stop is performed according to the locked state of the safety lever and the elapsed time from the time when the safety lever is sensed. If the safety lever is locked, the engine will stop in the shortest time. If the safety lever is not locked, the engine will stop automatically after a certain period of time.

Example  3

Embodiment 3 is to combine the procedures of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 to perform an engine automatic stop function when both the conditions of Embodiment 1 and the conditions of Embodiment 2 are satisfied.

Referring to FIG. 6, the steps that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the technically characterized steps S340 to S390 will be described in detail.

In step S340, the auto idle control unit determines whether the operation of the hydraulic actuator is undetected. If the operation of the hydraulic actuator is detected, the auto idle control unit releases the auto idle mode and does not perform the following logic in step S350.

If the operation of the hydraulic actuator is not detected, in step S360, the auto idle control unit determines whether the operation of the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus is undetected.

In step S370, the auto idle control unit determines the lock state of the safety lever. This is performed when the operation of the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus is undetected.

In the next step S380, it is checked whether or not the auto idle control section exceeds the elapsed time defined according to the lock state of the safety lever. For example, the elapsed time is set to 3 seconds when the safety lever is locked, and the elapsed time is set to 60 seconds when the safety lever is not locked.

In step S390, when the auto idle control unit exceeds the elapsed time defined according to the locked state of the safety lever, the automatic idle stop mode is entered and the auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine is output.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, when a plurality of conditions including a plurality of conditions including the operation of the hydraulic actuator, the operation state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device, the lock state of the safety lever, and the elapsed time are satisfied, .

Example  4

The fourth embodiment relates to a power supply control method in an engine automatic stop mode in which an engine is forcibly stopped and a problem that a restart can not be performed due to battery discharge due to unnecessary power consumption before entering an engine automatic restart mode in an engine automatic stop mode, .

1), an ignition key switch (110 of FIG. 1), a power supply control unit (140 of FIG. 1), an engine control unit (150 of FIG. 1), an auto idle control unit 1).

In the fourth embodiment, the auto idle control section determines whether the ignition key switch is in an on-state in a state where the engine is stopped due to the engine automatic stop mode. If the ignition key switch is on, The power supply is selectively cut off to prevent the battery voltage from falling below the voltage for restarting.

Specifically, the control method of FIG. 7 is referred to.

In step S400, the auto-idle control unit receives the on / off setting of the auto-idle function through the function selection switch, and enters the auto-idle mode in the auto-idle mode according to the on-setting of the function selection switch. The process of entering is based on the method mentioned in the first to third embodiments described above.

In the next step S410, the auto idle control unit confirms the state of the ignition key switch in a state where the engine is stopped due to the engine automatic stop mode. If the ignition key switch is off, the process is terminated without performing logic.

In step S420, if the ignition key switch is turned on, the auto idle control unit confirms whether or not the high load electric device is operated with high power consumption.

If it is determined that there is an operation of the high load electrical device, the auto idle control unit checks the voltage state of the battery in step S430. That is, the voltage of the battery is compared with the minimum voltage (hereinafter referred to as a reference voltage) required for restarting to check whether or not the battery is in a normal state.

If the voltage of the battery is equal to or higher than the reference voltage, in step S440, the auto idle control unit checks if the first set time has elapsed when there is operation of the high load electric apparatus.

After the lapse of the first set time, in step S440, the auto idle control unit outputs a signal to the power control unit to shut off the power supplied to the high load electric device.

In the next step S450, when the high load electric device is not operated, or after the power source supplied to the high load electric device is firstly shut off, the auto idle control part checks whether the predetermined second set time has elapsed.

After the second set time has elapsed, in step S460, the auto idle control unit outputs a signal to the power control unit to shut off all the system power.

In step S430, if the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the reference voltage, the power control unit may output a signal to the power control unit to shut off all the power supplies in spite of the fact that the first set time and the second set time have not elapsed.

In addition, the auto idle control unit continuously monitors the battery voltage state in addition to the step S430, and controls to shut off all the power supplies of the system immediately after the battery voltage becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage after the second set time.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the engine is forcibly stopped and the relatively short first set time of 5 minutes is elapsed with the ignition key switch being turned on, the high-load electric apparatus with a large electric consumption is stopped, When the set time has elapsed, all the power of the construction machine is stopped to prevent the discharge problem of the battery in advance.

Example  5

The automatic idle control device according to the fifth embodiment relates to engine control related technology for entering the engine automatic restart mode in the engine automatic stop mode.

The automatic idle control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes a function selection switch (120 in FIG. 1), an operation lever, a boarding detection sensor, an engine control unit (150 in FIG. 1), an auto idle control unit (160 in FIG.

The function selection switch sets ON and OFF for the auto idle function, and the operation lever is an operation means for adjusting the operation of the working machine. The boarding sensor is installed in the driver's seat and detects whether the operator is on board. For example, the boarding sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor, a touch sensor, a light sensor, or the like.

The engine control unit controls the engine RPM of the construction machine.

The auto idle control unit enters the automatic engine restart mode when the function selection switch is turned on and the engine idle mode is entered in the auto idle mode by the auto idle function. The worker's work intention can be judged based on the presence or absence of boarding and the operation of the operation lever.

It is also possible to determine whether or not the operation lever is operated based on a change in the operation state of the operation lever without determining whether or not the operation has been performed. For example, when at least one of the two operation levers provided on both sides of the driver's seat is out of the neutral position and then returned to the neutral position, or when returning to the neutral position and maintaining the return state for a predetermined time, It is possible to judge that the state change has been operated according to the state. Further, it can be determined that an operation signal for selecting a button separately provided to the operation lever is inputted. Alternatively, a sensor may be attached to at least one of the operation levers provided on both sides of the driver's seat to detect a case where the operator contacts at least one of the operation levers, and the presence or absence of the operation can be determined accordingly.

Therefore, the automatic idle control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is characterized in that it is unnecessary to restart the work when the worker is boarding, getting down or waiting, and restarts only when the worker's willingness to perform the work is correctly confirmed have.

Referring to FIG. 8, first, in step S500, the auto idle control unit receives the on / off setting of the auto idle function through the function selection switch and enters the auto idle mode in the auto idle mode do. The process of entering is based on the method mentioned in the first to third embodiments described above.

In step S510, the auto idle control unit once again confirms whether the engine is in the stop state by the current engine stop mode, and determines whether or not the engine can enter the automatic engine restart mode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is checked whether an auto idle stop signal for automatically stopping the engine is output (S511), and it is confirmed whether the load of the current engine is no-load state (S512).

In addition, it can be confirmed whether the elapsed time after the auto idle control unit enters the engine automatic stop mode is less than a predetermined threshold time (S513).

Further, the auto idle control unit can check whether the start is set to on based on the state of the ignition key switch (S514).

If at least one of these conditions is satisfied, or if all the conditions of steps S511 to S514 are satisfied, it is determined that the auto idle control unit can enter the engine automatic restart mode (S515).

On the other hand, if the elapsed time after entering the engine automatic stop mode exceeds the predetermined threshold time, the state of the ignition key switch is off, or if the conditions of steps S511 to S514 are not all satisfied, the engine is automatically restarted (S516).

Next, in step S520 of FIG. 8, the auto idle control unit confirms the presence or absence of an operator on the boarding detection sensor.

In the next step S550, the auto idle control unit maintains the previous engine automatic stop mode if the occupant's occupation is not detected through the boarding detection sensor.

If the boarding of the operator is detected by the boarding sensor, then in step S530, the auto idle control unit confirms whether or not the operation lever is activated.

Here, the boarding detection sensor is as described above. When the boarding status of the operator is detected to be maintained for a predetermined time by the boarding detection sensor, or when the output value of a certain number of sensors is the same among the plurality of sensors, can do.

If it is determined that the operator is on the driver's seat and the operation lever is activated at the same time, the auto idle control unit outputs a signal for restarting the engine to the engine control unit to restart the engine, as in step S540.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process of detecting whether the operation lever is activated in step S530.

That is, in step S531, the auto idle control unit receives a signal relating to the operation from the operation lever and detects the operation of the operation lever.

Specifically, as in step S532, if the operation lever is moved out of the neutral position and then returned to the neutral position, or is returned to the neutral position to maintain the return state for a predetermined time, And judges a state change.

It is also possible to determine whether or not the operation lever is activated by confirming whether an operation signal for selecting a button separately provided to the operation lever is inputted, as in step S533.

Further, it is possible to detect whether or not the operation lever is operated by sensing whether the operator's hand is in contact with at least one operation lever.

Example  6

Embodiment 6 refers to Figs. 11 and 12. Fig.

The sixth embodiment relates to an engine control related technology for entering an engine automatic restart mode in an engine automatic stop mode as in the fifth embodiment. More particularly, the present invention performs a process of returning to an engine RPM of a previously set engine when the engine is restarted.

According to the sixth embodiment, the auto idle control device can reduce the time required to return the engine RPM to the RPM at which the engine RPM can be performed at the time of restarting the engine, so that the operation can be performed more quickly. As a result, Can be saved.

The automatic idle control apparatus according to the sixth embodiment can be implemented including a function selection switch (120 in FIG. 1), an engine control unit (150 in FIG. 1), and an auto idle control unit (160 in FIG.

At this time, the function selection switch, the engine control unit, and the auto-idle control unit perform the same functions as those in the fifth embodiment, and thus a duplicate description will be omitted.

Particularly, in the sixth embodiment, the auto idle control unit checks the previous work RPM set for performing the work immediately before entering the automatic idle mode in the auto idle mode, and if the restarted engine is detected And returns to the RPM value (i.e., the engine automatic restart RPM) corresponding to the previous operation RPM when outputting a signal for restarting the engine. The detection of the restart of the stopped engine can be confirmed by determining whether the operator referred to in Embodiment 5 is on board or whether the operation lever is activated.

12 is a setting for performing a task or a working RPM, b is a time when the automatic idle mode is entered, c is a low RPM level due to an auto idle mode, d is an engine idling speed RPM, e indicates the RPM (engine automatic restart RPM) to be restored upon entering the engine automatic restart mode. In particular, referring to FIG. 12, the signals restart1 and restart2 are divided into RPMs to be returned according to the preheating state.

Here, the engine automatic restart RPM can be defined as the operation RPM defined in accordance with the previous operation RPM in a or the previous operation RPM level in a.

Referring to FIG. 11, in step S600, the auto idle control unit enters the auto idle mode in the auto idle mode according to the on setting of the function selection switch.

In step S610, immediately before the auto idle control unit enters the engine automatic stop mode, the operation RPM value of the previous engine set for the task execution is checked.

In step S620, the auto idle control unit may again determine whether the engine is in the stop state by the current engine stop mode and determine whether to enter the engine automatic restart mode. This is a step that reflects the willingness of the worker to determine whether the operator has boarded the driver's seat or activated at least one of the two operation levers as in the process described in Fig. 8 of the fifth embodiment.

In steps S630 and S640, the auto idle control unit checks whether the engine is warmed up when the auto idle control unit outputs a signal for an engine restart according to an operator's request or the presence or absence of an operator.

Thereafter, in step S650, it is possible to extract the operation RPM value of the previous engine which has been checked in advance according to the preheating state, or to wait in the auto idle state first.

Thereafter, in step S660, the auto idle control unit transmits an instruction to the engine control unit to return to the engine automatic restart RPM corresponding to the extracted value of the previous engine or the operation RPM of the previous engine.

For example, if the engine is not preheated, the auto idle control unit waits for a certain period of time in the preheat mode, that is, in the auto idle state, and if the preheat is sufficiently performed, returns to the operation RPM value of the previous engine (restart1 in FIG.

If the engine is warmed up, the auto-idle control returns to the previous RPM value of the previous engine (restart2 in FIG. 12).

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the present invention, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present invention are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all the techniques within the scope of equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

110: starter key switch 120: function selector switch
130: Construction machine controller 140: Power controller
150: engine control unit 142:
152: engine 160: auto idle control section
170: an alarm 180:

Claims (6)

A function selection switch for setting the auto idle function on and off in the construction machine;
An engine control unit for controlling the engine RPM of the construction machine; And
The automatic idle mode is output to the engine control unit when the setting of the function selection switch is turned on and the load of the current engine is no load, and in the auto idle mode, the boom, arm, A hydraulic actuator for controlling the operation of the working machine and a safety lever for detecting the operation of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device and for locking the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas aftertreatment device by a worker for safe operation of the construction machine, Wherein the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas post-treatment apparatus include a plurality of conditions according to whether or not the hydraulic actuator operates, the exhaust gas post-treatment device operates, and the lock state of the safety lever, And the safety lever is in the locked state, In the case that meet all of the conditions auto idle control unit for outputting auto idle stop (stop) signal to the engine control unit; includes,
The engine control unit includes:
When the auto idle signal is received from the auto idle control unit, controls to lower the current engine RPM to a low RPM of the auto idle state, and when receiving the auto idle stop signal from the auto idle control unit, And forcibly stops the fuel supply or forcibly cuts off the supply of the fuel.
The method according to claim 1,
The auto-
When a certain time has elapsed from a time point when the safety lever is confirmed, the automatic engine stop mode is entered and the engine is automatically stopped in the shortest time. When the engine is forcibly stopped, the lock state of the safety lever, Wherein the engine enters an engine automatic restart mode in an engine automatic stop mode in accordance with the presence or absence of an operation or the presence or absence of an operator, thereby restarting the engine.
The method according to claim 1,
The auto-
Checking the battery voltage of the construction machine or the cooling water temperature for warm-up of the engine, so that both the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust after-treatment apparatus are inoperable, and at the same time the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage, And outputs the auto idle stop signal when the cooling water temperature is higher than the reference temperature.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
The construction machine receiving an on / off setting for an auto idle function through a function selection switch;
Outputting an auto-idle signal to an engine control unit and entering an auto-idle mode if the setting of the function selection switch is on and the load of the current engine is no-load;
In the auto idle mode, the auto idle control unit of the construction machine detects the presence or absence of the operation of the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus for controlling the operation of the work machine including the boom, the arm and the bucket of the construction machine, step; And
If the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus are both not working, the auto idle control section of the construction machine judges the locking state of the safety lever to be locked by the operator for safe operation of the construction machine, The safety lever is in the locked state and the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment device are both inactivated, including a plurality of conditions corresponding to the presence or absence of the safety lever, the presence or absence of the exhaust gas after- And outputting an auto idle stop signal for stopping the engine when the plurality of conditions are satisfied to the engine control unit to enter the engine automatic stop mode in the auto idle mode,
In the step of entering the auto-idle mode,
When the engine control unit receives the auto-idle signal from the auto-idle control unit, controls the current engine RPM to be lowered to a low RPM of the auto-idle state, and when receiving the auto-idle stop signal from the auto- And forcibly stops the operation of the engine or forcibly cuts off the supply of the fuel.
6. The method of claim 5,
Before the step of outputting the auto idle stop signal,
The auto idle control unit of the construction machine checks the battery voltage of the construction machine and determines whether the battery voltage is higher than a reference voltage;
The auto idle control unit of the construction machine checks the cooling water temperature for engine warm-up of the construction machine and determines whether the cooling water temperature is higher than the reference temperature,
In the step of outputting the auto idle stop signal
Wherein the controller outputs the auto idle stop signal only when both the hydraulic actuator and the exhaust gas after-treatment apparatus are in operation and the battery voltage is higher than a reference voltage or the cooling water temperature is higher than a reference temperature. A method of controlling an auto idler of a construction machine.

Images