RU2601634C1 - Integrated door control system and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: machine building.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to machine building. Proposed is a method for controlling movement of a vehicle service door, herewith the vehicle comprises a frame, at least one service door movably coupled with the frame, a cabin, an engine, a monitor with user controls located in the cabin and a camera arranged on the frame. Method includes receiving a first input from the user control elements for activating a program of the door control stored in the controller and determining whether one or more threshold conditions is satisfied. Method also includes receiving a second input from the user controls, herewith the second input relates to selection of the service door. Method additionally includes displaying on the monitor an image from the camera and receiving a third input from the user controls. Selected service door moves in a controlled manner in the required direction.

EFFECT: proposed invention allows to simplify access to different parts of the vehicle for performing maintenance or diagnostics of their state.

20 cl, 9 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, and in particular to an integrated control system for controlling a service door on a working machine.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional excavator may have several service doors connected to its frame. Each service door provides access to a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other device of the machine. In addition, each service door pivots around its side along a hinge that is mounted on the machine frame. In this arrangement, the service door pivots between open and closed positions, similar to the rotation of a standard door. In addition, thanks to the method by which the door is opened and closed, a latch or lock is conventionally arranged along the frame for accessing the door.

[0003] Although the conventional way in which a door opens and closes is easily accessible, it can be difficult to perform maintenance or diagnose problems with the machine. This is due to the size of the machine and the size and location of the various mechanisms that work with the machine (for example, an engine or exhaust fan). In addition, the conventional means for opening and closing each service door in some cases required manual operation. This can be especially difficult due to the size and weight of each door.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a better means for controlling the opening and closing of each service door on a working machine, such as an excavator. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a way to control the operation of the door that does not require significant manual effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling the movement of a service door of a machine is provided. The machine comprises a frame, one or more service doors movably connected to the frame, a cabin mounted on the frame, an engine for driving the machine, a monitor and user controls located in the cabin, a camera mounted on the frame and an electrical interlock system. The method includes receiving a first input from user controls to activate a door control program stored in the controller, determining whether each of one or more threshold conditions is satisfied, receiving a second input from user controls, the second input being associated with selecting a service door, displaying monitor the image from the camera, receiving a third input from user controls, the third input corresponding to moving the selected service door in a certain direction, and controlling the movement of the selected service door in a specific direction.

[0006] In one aspect, the method includes determining whether the engine is running or the ignition is on, and determining whether the hydraulic control is off. In a second aspect, the method includes reducing an engine speed to an idle speed. In yet another aspect, the method includes determining whether the electrical interlock system contains an open switch, and displaying on the monitor a message indicating that one or more service doors is open, or a ladder connected to one of the service doors is in a lower position.

[0007] In another aspect, the method includes displaying a main screen on a monitor before the step of receiving the first input. In this regard, the method includes displaying the service door control screen after the step of receiving the first input. The method may also include activating or deactivating one or more solenoids corresponding to the selected service door. The method may further include displaying on the monitor a message to check the mirror or image from the camera before the step of receiving the third input.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the machine comprises a frame and an engine connected to the frame, a cabin mounted on one side of the frame, the cabin comprising a monitor for controlling the machine, and a first door and a second door connected to the frame. The first door is located on the same side as the cab, and the second door is located on the side opposite the first door. The machine also includes a controller made in electrical connection with the monitor and user controls. In addition, the door control system is electrically connected to the controller, the first door and the second door. The door control system comprises computer-readable software stored in the controller for functional control of the first and second doors. The machine further comprises a camera connected to the frame and installed in electrical connection with the monitor, while the camera is configured to electrically transmit to the monitor in real time the images of the second door and the area surrounding the second door.

[0009] In one aspect of this embodiment, the machine comprises a plurality of solenoids electrically connected to the controller, wherein at least one of the plurality of solenoids functionally controls the movement of either the first door or the second door between the open position and the closed position. In yet another aspect, the machine comprises a locking switch electrically connected to the controller and operably connected to one of the first door and the second door, the switch being movable between open and closed positions based on the movement of the door.

[0010] In a further aspect, the machine-readable software comprises a main screen and a door control screen displayed on a monitor. The main screen comprises a plurality of user controls for functionally controlling the movement of the first door and the second door, wherein one of the plurality of user controls includes a first input. The door control screen is displayed on the monitor in response to initiating the first input, so that the door control screen contains an image of the machine, an image of each of the first door and the second door, the second input to control either the first door or the second door in the first direction, and the third an input for controlling either the first door or the second door in the second direction. The camera image screen is displayed on the monitor in response to the selection of the second door from the door control screen, wherein the first door or the second door is functionally controlled between the open position and the closed position in response to the selection of any door and initiating a second input or third input from the door control screen.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for controlling the opening or closing of a service door on a machine. The machine includes a cab, a monitor located in the cab for controlling the machine, a camera mounted on the machine, a plurality of service doors connected to the machine, a ladder connected to one of the plurality of service doors, a plurality of solenoids and lock switches, an ignition control unit and an engine. The method includes displaying the first screen on the monitor so that the first screen contains a plurality of user control buttons for controlling the machine. The method also includes displaying a second screen on the monitor in response to selecting the first user control button on the monitor, the second screen containing an image of the machine and each of the plurality of service doors. In addition, the method includes displaying a plurality of pictograms on a second screen, wherein each of the plurality of pictograms corresponds to one of the plurality of service doors. In addition, the method includes receiving input in response to a second user-initiated control button, the input corresponding to one of a plurality of service doors selected for control. The method further includes controlling the opening or closing of the selected service door.

[0012] In one aspect of this embodiment, the method may include identifying which of a plurality of service doors is currently selected on a second screen and displaying a plurality of icons on a second screen, each icon corresponding to one of a plurality of service doors or one of a plurality of user control buttons. In another aspect, the method may include displaying images from a camera on a monitor. In addition, the method may include displaying on the monitor a message corresponding to one of the plurality of service doors in an open position. In yet another aspect, the method may include determining whether a plurality of threshold conditions are satisfied before displaying the second screen. In a further aspect, the method may include returning from the second screen to the first screen when the ignition control unit is turned off, the first user control button is selected, or the second user control button is selected, wherein the second user control button corresponds to the previous screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the method for their preparation will become more apparent, and the disclosure will be more clear by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of an excavator;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a general view of an exemplary embodiment of an excavator with each service door closed;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a general view of the excavator of FIG. 2 on the right side with each service door open;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a general view of the excavator of FIG. 2 on the left side with each service door open;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the excavator of FIG. 2 with each service door open;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example display of the main screen;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a service door selection screen;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a service door control system; and

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method for controlling a service door control system.

[0023] Corresponding conventions are used to indicate corresponding details in several images.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exact forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Instead, embodiments have been selected and described so that other experts in the field can appreciate and understand the principles and practical application of the present disclosure.

[0025] In FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a working machine. The machine is designed as an excavator 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited to an excavator and may extend to other working machines that have one or more service doors. In this regard, despite the fact that the figures and the following description may relate to the excavator, it should be clear that the scope of the legal claims of this disclosure extends beyond the excavator and, where applicable, the term “machine” will be used instead. The term “machine” is intended to be broader and, in addition to an excavator, for the purposes of this disclosure, covers other vehicles.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, the excavator 100 comprises an upper frame 102 pivotally mounted on the chassis 104. The upper frame 102 can be pivotally mounted on the chassis 104 by the pivot bearing 108. The upper frame 102 can rotate on the pivot bearing 108 by approximately 360 ° relative to the chassis 104. To rotate the upper frame 102 around a pivot bearing 108, a hydraulic motor (not shown) may drive a gear (not shown).

[0027] To move on the ground, the chassis 104 may comprise a pair of ground tracks 106 on opposite sides of the chassis 104. Alternatively, the excavator 100 may include wheels for engaging the ground. The upper frame 102 comprises a cab 110 in which the machine operator controls the machine. Cab 110 may comprise a control system (not shown) comprising, but not limited to, a steering wheel, a control lever, control pedals, or control buttons. In order to control the excavator 100, the operator may actuate one or more control elements of the control system.

[0028] The excavator 100 also includes a large boom 114, which extends from the upper frame 102 near the cab 110. The boom 114 can rotate around a vertical arc by actuating a pair of boom cylinders 116. A bucket handle or lever 118 is rotatably mounted at one end of the boom 114, and a hydraulic cylinder 122 controls its position. The opposite end of the boom 114 is connected to the upper frame 102. At the end opposite the boom 114, the bucket handle or lever 118 is attached to the excavator bucket 124 which can be rotated relative to the lever 118 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 120.

[0029] The upper frame 102 of the excavator 100 comprises an outer casing of a housing for protecting the engine assembly 112. At the end opposite the cab 110, the upper frame 102 comprises a counterweight body 126. The counterweight 126 comprises a body filled with material to add mass to the machine and compensate for the load collected by the bucket 124. The compensated mass can improve the digging performance of the excavator 100.

[0030] In FIG. 2 shows yet another embodiment of a machine in the form of an excavator 200. The excavator 200 contains many of the same features as described above and shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the excavator comprises a plurality of service doors connected to the upper frame 102 of the excavator 200. In particular, the excavator comprises a first door 202, a second door 204 and a third door 206. The first door 202 is located on the left side of the excavator behind cab 110. The second door located on the right side of the excavator 200 near the front, and therefore is located next to the cab 110, but on the opposite side (i.e., an arrow is located between the cab 110 and the second door 204). As shown in FIG. 2, the second door 204 may comprise features 208 in the form of metal grilles that substantially close the exhaust fans 516 (see FIG. 5) in the closed position. The third door 206 is located on the same side as the second door 204, but towards the rear of the excavator 200. In this regard, the first door 202 and the third door 206 are located near the rear of the excavator, but on its opposite sides. However, it should be understood that different machines may have a different number of service doors, and that the location of each service door may depend on the type of machine. In addition, other excavators may have additional or fewer service doors, and regardless of quantity, each service door can be located along the machine in places that differ from those shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a camera 210 is also shown. In this case, the camera 210 is connected to a portion 212 of the upper frame 102 of the excavator 200. The camera 210 may be a video camera, a still camera, a digital camera, a high definition camera, or any type of camera. The camera 210 is connected to the upper frame 102 on its right side and, as shown, is located on the side opposite the cab 110. The camera 210 is located in a position and oriented in a direction that can provide images of each of the second door 204 and the third door 206 or both of them . In addition, camera 210 may provide images of the area surrounding the second door 204 and third door 206. As will be described later, camera 210 may provide visual feedback on a monitor (not shown) in cab 110 so that the operator of excavator 200 can have visual information from any of the objects near each door. This may provide additional security for the machine and objects near the machine when opening either the second door 204 or the third door 206.

[0032] In FIG. 2, each of the service doors is shown in the closed position. However, referring to FIG. 3, each of the service doors is shown in the open position. Although many commonly accepted service doors open in a loop-like fashion along one side of the door, the service doors of the excavator 200 open like a seagull back wing. In other words, each of the service doors can pivot along its lower edge (for example, closest to the chassis 104) and pivot outward away from the machine.

[0033] In order to better understand the manner in which each service door opens, each of the service doors comprises a first part and a second part. For example, the first door 202 comprises a first part 300 and a second part 400 (FIG. 4). Similarly, the second door 204 comprises a first part 302 and a second part 304. Similarly, a third door 206 contains a first part 306 and a second part 308.

[0034] When each door is closed, that is, FIG. 2, the first part of each door forms a top surface, and the second part forms a side surface. In other words, the first part of each door is approximately perpendicular to the second part so that each door contains a substantially L-shaped structure. However, when each door opens like a seagull back wing (i.e., Figs. 3 and 4), the first part of each door deviates approximately 90 ° from its orientation in the closed position. For example, in FIG. 4, the first part 300 of the first door 202 is arranged substantially vertically, whereas in FIG. 2, the first part is substantially horizontal. Furthermore, in the open position, the second portion 400 of the door 202 is arranged substantially horizontally. The various parts of the second door 204 and the third door 206 are made in a similar manner.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of FIG. 4, wherein each of the service doors is configured in the open position. The advantage of the method of the type of the back wing of the seagull, through which the service doors are open, is the formation of ways to obtain better access to various parts of the machine. For example, the second part 400 of the first service door 202 forms the first path 500. To reach the first path 500, the first ladder 518 is connected to the door 202. The first path 500 allows access and maintenance of the engine or hydraulic pumps 512.

[0036] Regarding the second door 204, the second part 304 forms a second path 502 for access to the cooling fans and oil coolers 516. Similarly, the second part 308 of the third door 206 forms a third path 504 for access to the second engine and hydraulic pumps 512. For reaching the second path 502 and the third path 504, a second staircase 520 is connected to the third door 206.

[0037] In FIG. 5 Each service door contains a safety lock. For example, the first service door 202 contains a first interlock 506. Likewise, the second door 204 contains a second interlock 508, and the third door 206 contains a third interlock 510. Each safety interlock is in electrical communication with a vehicle control unit 802 (VCU) and sends an electrical VCU 802 signal for transmitting the position of each service door. Safety interlocks may be in the form of switches, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the first security lock 506 corresponding to the first service door 202 is presented as a first switch 814. Similarly, the second security lock 508 corresponding to the second service door 204 is presented as a second switch 818. Similarly, the third security lock 510 corresponding to the third service door 206 is presented in the form of a third switch 820. The first ladder 518 and the second ladder 520 may also contain safety locks, i.e. a switch 816 of the first ladder and a switch 822 of the second ladder.

[0038] In FIG. 8, VCU 802 and interlock switches form part of a service door control system 800. System 800 may include an electrical control system that includes each blocking switch and a plurality of solenoids 810. Each of the plurality of solenoids 810 may be electrically connected to the VCU 802 via a first electrical path 812, and similarly, each of the blocking switches may be electrically connected to VCU 802 along the second electrical path 826. As also shown, the hydraulic control lever 824 is electrically connected to the VCU 802 along the 826 path. The hydraulic control lever 824 provides a hydraulic e control the progress, rotation and operation of the boom. As will be described, it is desirable to disable the hydraulic control lever 824, which may be in the form of a blocking switch, to disable or prevent the movement or control of the boom, lever or bucket when one or more of the service doors is in the open position.

[0039] VCU 802 can control the activation or deactivation of multiple solenoids 810. In a non-limiting example, for example, two solenoids can control each service door, one of which is an on / off solenoid and the other is a direction solenoid. If the selected door is directed to the closed position, the direction solenoid can be deactivated. On the other hand, if the selected door is directed to the open position, the direction solenoid can be activated. In addition, on / off solenoids corresponding to two service doors not selected for control can be activated, while an on / off solenoid corresponding to the selected door can be deactivated. However, in an alternative embodiment, the opposite may be true (i.e., the on / off solenoid for the selected door is activated, and the on / off solenoids for unselected doors can be deactivated). In addition, the direction solenoids can be activated or deactivated differently depending on the direction in which the selected door is directed (for example, open or closed).

[0040] The VCU 802 may be electrically connected or electrically connected to the monitor unit 804, as shown in FIG. 8. Electrical communication or connection may occur via communication channel 808, such as a Local Area Network (CAN) Network Bus. VCU 802 may be located anywhere along the machine, while the monitor unit 804 is located in the cab 110 of the machine. Thus, the machine can be controlled from the operator’s position in the cab so that the machine operator is in a safe place when each service door opens or closes. In addition, the monitor unit 804 is electrically connected or electrically connected to a camera 806 (e.g., a video camera). In this case, the connection may occur via the communication channel 828, as shown in FIG. 8. Camera 806 relates to camera 210 described and shown previously in FIG. 2. In this system 800, the camera 806 can provide real-time images in the monitor unit 804 so that the machine operator can visually monitor the area around the second service door 204 and third service door 206 before opening or closing one or another door. Cab 110 may include one or more mirrors mounted therein so that the machine operator can visually inspect the area around the first service door 202 before opening or closing it. Accordingly, the presented embodiment provides an additional safety measure to prevent harm or damage to a controllable service door or an object located in the path of the service door.

[0041] In the embodiments of FIG. 1-5 and 8, a machine and a door control system have been described. In FIG. 6-7 and 9, embodiments of a door control process are illustrated. Unlike conventional door control processes, the disclosure provides an exemplary door control process that uses electronic controls for various parts of the machine, many of which have been described above. It should be understood that the door control process can take many different forms and that the embodiments illustrated and described in this application are essentially illustrative only.

[0042] In one aspect of the door control method, a machine operator can control the operation of one or more service doors using a monitor and user controls in the cab. As described previously, this provides added security when service doors open or close. In addition, the control system can use electrical energy from the machine to carry out the process of controlling the opening and closing of each service door. In one embodiment, the control process can control the operation of only one service door at a time. The hydroelectric power of the machine can consume the battery of the machine, whereby the electrical circuit of the machine does not have enough electrical energy to control the operation of more than one door at a time. In another embodiment, however, it may be possible to control one or more doors simultaneously.

[0043] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a door control process. Process 900 includes many steps, of which one or more may be optional in various aspects of the process. Process 900 may include using a vehicle control unit (VCU) 802, which comprises a memory unit (not shown) located therein. VCU 802 can be based on a microprocessor, and the memory unit contains the commands stored in it, which are executed by VCU 802 to control the operation of each service door of the machine. However, it should be understood that this disclosure provides other embodiments in which the VCU 802 is not based on a microprocessor, but is configured to control the operation of each service door based on one or more sets of hardware instructions and / or software instructions stored in a memory unit .

[0044] With reference to FIG. 9, process 900 may include a first step that uses a monitor unit 804. In particular, the monitor unit 804 may receive commands from the VCU 802 to display a main screen 600 similar to the main screen shown in FIG. 6. The main screen 600 may include a plurality of user controls for controlling the operation of each service door. Many user controls may be in the form of, for example, touch buttons. Alternatively, a plurality of user controls may display pictograms or control symbols in the cab to control the operation of each service door. In FIG. 6, a display 600 comprises a plurality of user control elements 602 for functional control of the machine and each service door. Of the plurality of user control elements 602, there may be a first control button 604 for activating a door control system or other machine system. In addition, a second back arrow key 606 allows the user to return to the previous screen. To make a selection, a third user control button 608 is provided, i.e. selection button. A fourth user control button 610 and a fifth user control button 612 are provided in the form of up and down arrow keys, respectively. These buttons can be used by the user to scroll through various menu options or to select the direction for controlling the movement of the selected service door (for example, up to open the door and down to close the door).

[0045] The display 600 may include other icons, user controls, and machine data. For example, time of day, mileage, fuel consumption, fuel level, oil level, oil temperature, vehicle speed, compass, service lights, warning lights, transmission ratios, etc. They may be displayed in any way, and for the purposes of the disclosure presented, it is assumed that the embodiment of FIG. 6 is only an example of a single display.

[0046] To control the service door or activate the door control system, the machine operator (ie, user) can select the first user control button 604 from the main screen 600. By selecting or initiating this first button 604, at 904, a signal is transmitted to the VCU 802, indicating that the machine operator wants to control one of the service doors. Since user input is initiated from the monitor unit 804 in the VCU 802, the VCU 802 may determine whether the door control method can be enabled. For example, in step 906, the VCU 802 may determine whether one or more threshold conditions are met before the door control process is enabled.

[0047] In a first threshold step 908, the VCU 802 may determine if ignition is active (ie, energy is being supplied through the electrical circuit of the machine) and / or the engine is running. Since the connection between the VCU 802, the monitor unit 804, the camera 806, the solenoids 810 and the blocking switches is electrically powered, the VCU 802 can ensure that at least the ignition is active before starting the door control process. In a related aspect, it may also be necessary for the engine to operate to further reduce battery consumption on the machine. In this aspect, the door control process will not continue until the engine is started, despite the ignition state.

[0048] In the second threshold step 910, the VCU 802 may determine if any one of the safety lock switches of the door or staircase is open. If it is determined that one or more blocking switches are open, the VCU 802 can communicate with the monitor unit 804 and notify the operator that one of the service doors is open or one of the stairs is in the down position. An operator can be notified of this condition before the VCU 802 takes any further action.

[0049] In the third threshold step 912, the VCU 802 may determine whether the hydraulic control enable switch 824 is turned off. When the switch 824 is turned off, there may be virtually no hydraulic motion control, steering control, boom control, etc. In other words, disabling the hydraulic control enable switch 824 can prevent the hydraulic operation of the boom 114, arm 118, or bucket 124.

[0050] In yet another threshold step 914, it may be necessary for the engine to run at or close to idle (for example, approximately 800 rpm). For example, by maintaining or forcing the engine to low idle speeds, in particular if the service door is open, the amount of energy entering each door is reduced. This can help with the energy of the battery and the total hydraulic energy transmitted by the machine. In other aspects, however, step 914 may not be a threshold condition that restricts or prevents the door control process from starting. Instead, the method may have an additional step taken by the VCU 802 to reduce engine speed.

[0051] After the VCU 802 determines that the threshold condition in step 906 is satisfied, the door control process for controlling one or more service doors is turned on. In addition, the VCU 802 may communicate with the monitor unit 804 to display a second screen associated with the door control system in accordance with block 916. With reference to FIG. 7, an exemplary door control screen 700 displayed in a monitor unit 804 is shown. The screen 700 may be adapted to display 600 the main screen of FIG. 6 so that user controls 602 are also displayed and are suitable for future use. For example, in FIG. 6, a portion of the screen 600 that shows the fuel level and oil temperature may be replaced by the door control screen 700 of FIG. 7.

[0052] A door control screen 700, or a service door selection screen, may display an image 702 of a machine. In addition, a first icon or identifier 704 corresponding to the first service door may be displayed. Similarly, a second icon or identifier 706 corresponding to the second service door may be displayed. Similarly, a third icon or identifier 708 corresponding to the third service door may be displayed. In other embodiments, in which the machine contains a different number of service doors, the screen 700 may contain the same number of icons or identifiers as the number of service doors on the machine. In this regard, the door control process can be a set of commands stored in the VCU 802 memory unit and adaptable for any type of machine.

[0053] In FIG. 7, a selection icon 710 corresponding to the currently selected or currently selected service door is displayed. For example, in FIG. 7, a selection icon 710 identifies that the first service door is currently selected. Accordingly, if the operator wants to control the first service door, the door control process is ready to take action that relates to this door. Despite the fact that in FIG. 7 shows a selection icon 710 surrounding the first icon 704, it is possible that the selection icon could take a different shape, for example, causing the first icon 704 to flicker, enlarge, change color, etc. Alternatively, the selection icon 710 may be an arrow or other display means that indicates the currently selected icon. In other words, the selection icon 710 can take many forms, provided that it identifies to the operator the currently selected service door.

[0054] The door control screen 700 may also include arrow icons 712 and selection icons 714. Arrow icons 712 can simply instruct the operator to select the up arrow button 610 or the down arrow button 612 to select another service door or to control the direction in which the selected service door moves. In an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for arrow icons 712 to form user controls so that the operator can initiate or press one of these buttons to select or control one of the service doors. Similarly, the selection icon 714 may instruct the operator to initiate the user selection button 608, as shown in FIG. 6 to make a choice. Alternatively, the selection icon 714 may form a custom control button that the operator can initiate or press to make the desired selection.

[0055] Door selection screen or door control screen 700 FIG. 7 is intended to serve as an example only. The disclosure presented is not limited to this display, and additional elements or details may be displayed or removed from what is shown in FIG. 7. The door control screen 700 may also depend on the type of machine. For example, in FIG. 7, an excavator displays the door control screen 700, while another machine may be displayed differently on the door control screen.

[0056] Once the door control screen is displayed on the monitor at 916, the operator can go through various parameters and make a selection if necessary. If the operator decides not to make a selection from the door control screen 700, the operator can initiate or select a user return control button 606 to return to the previous main screen 600. If the operator later decides to open, for example, one of the service doors, the operator can re-initiate the process by selecting the first user control button 604. Alternatively, the operator may be able to return from the door control screen 700 to the main screen 600 by selecting the first user control button 604 (i.e., without selecting the return button 606) or by turning off the ignition and turning off the door control system.

[0057] However, in step 918, if the user selects one of the service doors on the door selection screen 700, the VCU 802 may receive user input from the monitor unit 804. In addition, the VCU 802 can activate or deactivate the corresponding solenoids to open or close the selected door in step 920. Depending on which door is selected, the monitor unit 804 may display various images or messages to the operator.

[0058] For example, in step 922, if the operator selects the first service door 202 on the door control screen 700, the VCU 802 may transmit to the monitor unit 804 a message corresponding to that of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This may be a safety message instructing the machine operator to check one or more mirrors before taking an additional action. It can also inform the operator that one or more of the service doors is open, or that the staircase is in the lower position. This message may be displayed on the door control screen 700 of FIG. 7 or displayed on another screen. For example, the message may be a pop-up message that is displayed for a period of time (for example, 3 or 4 seconds).

[0059] The message displayed in step 922 may also instruct the machine operator to check the monitor unit for the image from camera 806. For example, if in step 918 either the second service door 204 or the third service door 206 are selected, the machine may not have a mirror for display an object located outside the machine and near each door. Alternatively, a chamber 806 may be mounted on the machine frame and oriented toward the second service door 204 and the third service door 206, including the area around each door. With each door opening as a seagull back wing, it is desirable to transmit in real time an image of the selected door and the area that should be occupied by the door when it moves between the open position and the closed position. In addition, in some embodiments, the camera may provide real-time video images that continuously provide video images to the monitor and allow the operator to visually check the monitor before opening or closing the selected door.

[0060] An image or images from the camera may be displayed on the door control screen 700. In one aspect, first a message may be displayed over a period of time notifying the operator of the ISO safety message, and then the message can be deleted and replaced with an image or images from the camera. Although not shown, in addition to the message or image appearing on the screen, an icon corresponding to each or both the message and image may be displayed on the door control screen. Either with the message or with the image displayed on the monitor, the operator can return to the door control screen 700 of FIG. 7 by selecting a first user control button 604 or a return control button 606.

[0061] In step 924, the VCU 802 may receive additional user input on the monitor corresponding to controlling the selected door in either the opening direction or the closing direction. In this regard, the VCU 802 can activate or deactivate one or more solenoids corresponding to such control (for example, a door direction solenoid). VCU 802 can continuously take actions based on a signal electrically transmitted from monitor unit 804 in response to user input.

[0062] In the case that the second service door 204 is selected, the VCU 802 may turn off the cooling or exhaust fans 516 if the door 204 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Similarly, when the second service door 204 closes, the VCU 802 can turn on or activate the cooling or exhaust fans 516. The VCU 802 can take a similar action based on the signal received from the safety lock switch 818 of the second door.

[0063] In one aspect of this disclosure, when one of the service doors is controlled between an open position and a closed position, an audible signal may be triggered as a precaution. After the service door reaches either open or closed position, the warning signal can be turned off.

[0064] In yet another aspect, if the door is not fully closed and the machine operator attempts, for example, to control the boom 114, the VCU 802 may send a warning message that is displayed on the monitor informing the operator of the state of the door. In a related aspect, if the door is in a partially or fully open position, a message indicating this may be displayed in the monitor unit 804 after the ignition is activated. In addition, a door that is partially or fully open can be identified in the monitor unit 804 by displaying the door control screen 700 and using the selection icon 710 to specifically identify the door. To identify whether one or more service doors is partially or completely open, other means may be used. In addition, a different message may be displayed depending on the condition and type of machine.

[0065] In some aspects, the second threshold step 910 may not be a threshold condition for starting the door control process, but instead there may be a condition or warning that notifies the machine operator when the operator wants to control the boom, arm, or bucket. With reference to an embodiment illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2, the VCU 802 may receive an electrical message from one of the security locks shown in FIG. 8. For example, if the second service door 204 is in the open position, the lock switch 818 corresponding to the given door 204 may be in the open position. In this regard, the message may be electrically transmitted from the VCU 802 to the monitor unit 804 to alert the operator of this condition. VCU 802 can disable further operation of the machine, i.e. the operation of the boom, lever and bucket, until the operator takes action to close the second door 204.

[0066] Similarly, if the first service door 202 or the third service door 206 is in the open position, the first door lock switch 814 or the third door lock switch 820 can be opened, and a corresponding message can be sent to the monitor unit 804 from the VCU 802. Similarly, if the first ladder 518 or the second ladder 520 is in the lower position (or in the position that opens the blocking switch of the corresponding ladder), the VCU 802 may determine that the blocking switch 816, 822 of both the ladder is open and accordingly prevent the boom from working , lever and bucket of the machine. This is not limited to excavators and for other machines everything will also happen in a similar way.

[0067] It may also be desirable to implement or activate a door control system in case electric power is not available to the machine (for example, the battery is low). In this case, a backup battery or an alternative electrical source (for example, a generator) can be connected to the door control system to operate the battery or the electrical circuit of the machine. Alternatively, if no source of electrical energy is available, mechanical means in the form of a hand-operated pump can be used to control the opening and closing of each service door.

[0068] Although illustrative embodiments including principles of the disclosure have been disclosed above, the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variation, application or adaptation of a disclosure using its general principles. In addition, this application is intended to cover such deviations from the presented disclosure that fall within the known or generally accepted practice in the field to which this disclosure relates, and which fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method of controlling the movement of a service door on a machine, the machine comprising a frame, one or more service doors movably connected to the frame, a cab mounted on the frame, a motor for driving the machine, a monitor and user controls located in the cab, a controller, a camera mounted on the frame and an electrical locking system, the method comprising:
receiving a first input from user controls to activate a door control program stored in the controller;
determining whether each of one or more threshold conditions is satisfied;
receiving a second input from user controls, the second input being associated with the selection of a service door;
displaying the machine image on the monitor;
receiving a third input from user controls, the third input corresponding to moving the selected service door in a certain direction; and
control the movement of the selected service door in a certain direction. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining comprises:
determining whether the engine is running or the ignition is on; and
detecting whether the hydraulic control is disabled. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising reducing the engine speed to the idle speed. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the display step comprises displaying an image from a camera. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising displaying on the monitor a message indicating that one or more service doors is open, or a ladder connected to one of the service doors is in the lower position. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying the main screen on the monitor prior to the step of receiving the first input. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying a service door control screen after the step of receiving the first input. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating or deactivating one or more solenoids corresponding to the selected service door. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying a message on the monitor to check the mirror or image from the camera before the step of receiving the third input. 10. A machine containing:
a frame and an engine connected to the frame;
a cab connected to one side of the frame, the cab comprising a monitor for controlling the machine;
a first door and a second door connected to the frame, wherein the first door is located on the same side as the cabin, and the second door is located on the side opposite the first door;
a controller made in electrical connection with the monitor and user controls;
a door control system electrically connected to the controller, the first door and the second door, the system comprising computer-readable software stored in the controller for functional control of the first and second doors; and
a camera connected to the frame and installed in electrical connection with the monitor, while the camera is arranged to electrically transmit to the monitor in real time images of the second door and the area surrounding the second door. 11. The machine of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of solenoids electrically connected to the controller, wherein at least one of the plurality of solenoids functionally controls the movement of either the first door or the second door between the open position and the closed position. 12. The machine of claim 10, further comprising a blocking switch electrically connected to the controller and operably connected to one of the first door and the second door, wherein the switch is movable between open and closed positions based on the movement of the door. 13. The machine of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable software comprises:
the main screen displayed on the monitor, while the main screen contains many user controls for functional control of the movement of the first door and the second door, while one of the many user controls contains the first input;
the door control screen displayed on the monitor in response to the initiated first input, wherein the door control screen contains an image of the machine, an image of each of the first door and the second door, a second input for controlling either the first door or the second door in the first direction and the third input for controlling either the first door or the second door in a second direction; and
a camera image screen displayed on the monitor in response to the selection of the second door from the door control screen;
wherein the first door or the second door is functionally controlled between the open position and the closed position in response to selecting any door and initiating a second input or a third input from the door control screen. 14. A method for controlling the opening or closing of a service door on a machine, the machine comprising a cab, a monitor located in the cab for controlling the machine, a camera mounted on the machine, a plurality of service doors connected to the machine, a ladder connected to one of the plurality of service doors , a plurality of solenoids and a blocking switch, an ignition control unit and an engine, the method comprising:
displaying the first screen on the monitor, while the first screen contains many user control buttons for controlling the machine;
displaying a second screen on the monitor in response to the selection of the first user control button on the monitor, the second screen containing an image of the machine and each of the plurality of service doors;
displaying a plurality of pictograms on the second screen, wherein each of the plurality of pictograms corresponds to one of the plurality of service doors;
receiving input in response to a second user-initiated control button, the input corresponding to one of a plurality of service doors selected for control; and
control the opening or closing of the selected service door. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising identifying which of the plurality of service doors is currently selected on the second screen. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying a plurality of icons on a second screen, wherein each icon corresponds to one of a plurality of service doors or one of a plurality of user control buttons. 17. The method according to p. 14, further comprising displaying on the monitor the image from the camera. 18. The method according to p. 14, further comprising displaying on the monitor a message corresponding to one of the plurality of service doors in an open position. 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining whether a plurality of threshold conditions are satisfied before displaying the second screen. 20. The method according to p. 14, further comprising returning from the second screen to the first screen, when the ignition control unit is turned off, the first user control button is selected or the second user control button is selected, the second user control button corresponding to the previous screen.

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