Construction machine and method of controlling construction machine

A construction machine includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the surroundings, an image display part mounted in an operator's cab and configured to display a menu screen showing an operating condition and various settings, or the captured image captured with the image capturing device, an operation part including a menu switch to cause the menu screen to be displayed on the image display part, and a detector configured to detect whether a work element is enabled or disabled. The image display part is configured to display a warning in response to the menu switch being operated while the work element is enabled.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to construction machines and methods of controlling a construction machine.

Description of Related Art

Construction machines with a display unit installed in an operator's cab have been put to practical use. The display unit displays vehicle information such as the remaining amount of fuel, water temperature, oil temperature, and a cumulative operating time and images of the surroundings captured with a camera mounted on a vehicle body. According to such construction machines, for example, an operator operates a display change switch to switch an image displayed on the display unit between vehicle information and an image of the surroundings.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, a construction machine includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the surroundings, an image display part mounted in an operator's cab and configured to display a menu screen showing an operating condition and various settings, or the captured image captured with the image capturing device, an operation part including a menu switch to cause the menu screen to be displayed on the image display part, and a detector configured to detect whether a work element is enabled or disabled. The image display part is configured to display a warning in response to the menu switch being operated while the work element is enabled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When the image displayed on the display unit is switched from an image captured with a camera to vehicle information during work, the operator may be prevented from checking the surroundings to reduce the safety of work.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a construction machine configured to urge display of an image of the surroundings captured with an image capturing device on a display unit to secure work safety is provided.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same configuration is given the same character, and a repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 1is a side view of a shovel100according to the embodiment. An upper-part turning body3is turnably mounted on a lower-part traveling body1through a turning mechanism2. The lower-part traveling body1performs a traveling operation of the shovel100. A boom4is attached to the upper-part turning body3. An arm5is attached to an end of the boom4, and a bucket6is attached to an end of the arm5. The boom4, the arm5, and the bucket6, serving as work elements, form an attachment, and are hydraulically driven by a boom cylinder.7, an arm cylinder8, and a bucket cylinder9, respectively. A cabin (an operator's cab)10is provided on the upper-part turning body3. Furthermore, a power source such as an engine, which is an internal combustion engine, is mounted on the upper-part turning body3. An operator's seat is provided in the cabin10. An operator operates the shovel100while being seated on the operator's seat. A counterweight13is provided on the side opposite from the cabin10on the upper-part turning body3.

With respect to the orientation of the lower-part traveling body1, the side on which idlers are disposed is the front side, and the side on which traveling hydraulic motors are disposed is the rear side, irrespective of the orientation of the upper-part turning body3. Accordingly, when the operator tilts a traveling lever toward the front side of the cabin10, the lower-part traveling body1travels in the direction of arrow AR1whichever direction the attachment is oriented. InFIG. 1, an idler1Bx (for the left) and a traveling hydraulic motor1B (for the left) are visible, while an idler (for the right) and a traveling hydraulic motor1A (for the right) are not visible.

FIG. 2is a block diagram depicting a configuration of a drive system of the shovel100depicted inFIG. 1. InFIG. 2, a mechanical power system, a high-pressure hydraulic line, a pilot line, and an electrical control system are indicated by a double line, a thick solid line, a dashed line, and a thin solid line, respectively.

The drive system of the shovel100is mounted on the upper-part turning body3, and includes an engine11, a main pump14, a pilot pump15, a control valve17, an operation apparatus26, a controller30, and an engine control unit (ECU)74.

The engine11, which is a drive source of the shovel100, is, for example, a diesel engine that operates to maintain a predetermined rotational speed. The output shaft of the engine11is connected to the input shafts of the main pump14and the pilot pump15.

The main pump14, which is a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the control valve17through a high-pressure hydraulic line, is, for example, a swash-plate variable displacement hydraulic pump. The pilot pump15, which is a hydraulic pump for supplying hydraulic oil to various hydraulic control apparatuses via a pilot line25, is, for example, a fixed displacement hydraulic pump.

The control valve17is a hydraulic control valve that controls the hydraulic system of the shovel100. The control valve17selectively supplies hydraulic oil supplied from the main pump14to one or more of work elements such as the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, the bucket cylinder9, a traveling hydraulic motor1A (for the right), the traveling hydraulic motor1B (for the left), and a turning hydraulic motor2A. In the following description, the boom cylinder7, the arm cylinder8, the bucket cylinder9, the traveling hydraulic motor1A (for the right), the traveling hydraulic motor1B (for the left), and the turning hydraulic motor2A are collectively referred to as “hydraulic actuators”.

The operation apparatus26, which is an apparatus that the operator uses to operate the hydraulic actuators, is disposed in the cabin10. Furthermore, the operation apparatus26supplies hydraulic oil supplied from the pilot pump15to the pilot ports of flow control valves corresponding to the individual hydraulic actuators via the pilot line25. The pressure of hydraulic oil supplied to each pilot port is a pressure commensurate with the direction of operation and the amount of operation of one of operation levers26A,26B and26C corresponding to the hydraulic actuators. The operation lever26C is a traveling lever.

The controller30, which is a control unit for controlling the shovel100, is composed of, for example, a computer including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. The CPU of the controller30executes processes corresponding to each program by reading a program corresponding to operations and functions of the shovel100and executing the program while loading the program into the RAM.

The ECU74is a device that controls the engine11. The ECU74collects various kinds of data indicating the condition of the engine11, and transmits the collected data to the controller30. Referring toFIG. 2, the ECU74and the controller30are separate configurations, but the ECU74and the controller30may also be configured as a single unit. For example, the ECU74may be integrated into the controller30.

According to the shovel100having the above-described configuration, an image display unit that displays various kinds of information is disposed near the operator's seat to assist the operator in operating the shovel100. The operating conditions, the control information, etc., of the shovel100are displayed on an image display part of the image display unit to enable the operator to obtain such information. Furthermore, the operator may operate an operation part provided on the image display unit to input information and instructions to the controller30of the shovel100.

FIG. 3is a side view of the upper-part turning body3according to the embodiment.FIG. 4is a plan view of the upper-part turning body3according to the embodiment.

An image display unit40includes an image display part41and an operation part42, and is fixed to a frame (pillar)10aof the cabin10including an operator's seat60. According to this embodiment, the image display part41and the operation part42are formed as a single body. Alternatively, the image display part41and the operation part42may be formed as separate bodies to be provided at different positions.

In general, the boom4is disposed on the right side of the operator seated on the operator's seat60, and the operator often operates the shovel100while viewing the arm5and the bucket6attached to the end of the boom4. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the image display unit40is provided on the frame10aon the right side, on which side the boom4is provided, to enable the operator to check the image display unit40while operating the arm5and the bucket6.

Thus, the image display unit40is preferably provided at a position that easily comes into the field of vision of the operator who performs work. The configuration illustrated by way of example in this embodiment, however, is not limiting, and the image display unit40may be provided anywhere near the operator's seat60.

Furthermore, as depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4, image capturing devices80that capture images of the surroundings of the shovel100are provided on a cover3aof the upper-part turning body3that covers the engine11, etc. According to this embodiment, a left-side monitoring camera80L, a rear monitoring camera (a counterweight13side camera)80B, and a right-side monitoring camera80R are provided as the image capturing devices80. The number of the image capturing devices80installed may be at least one, and the number and the installation positions are not limited to the configuration illustrated by way of example in this embodiment.

FIG. 5is a block diagram depicting a connection of the controller30and the image display unit40of the shovel100according to the embodiment.

The image display unit40is connected to the controller30via a communication network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). The image display unit40is connected to the image capturing devices80via, for example, dedicated lines. The image display unit40may alternatively be connected to the controller30via a dedicated line.

The image display unit40includes a conversion part40athat generates an image to be displayed on the image display part41. Captured images output from the image capturing devices80(the left-side monitoring camera80L, the rear monitoring camera80B, and the right-side monitoring camera80R) are input to the conversion part40a. Furthermore, for example, data indicating the temperature of engine coolant water, data indicating the temperature of hydraulic oil, data indicating the remaining amount of fuel, and fuel efficiency information are input to the conversion part40afrom the controller30.

The conversion part40agenerates an image signal to be displayed on the image display part41of the image display unit40based on captured images from the image capturing devices80and various kinds of data from the controller30. The image display part41displays an image based on the image signal generated by the conversion part40a.

The conversion part40amay be implemented not as a function of the image display unit40but as a function of the controller30. In this case, the image capturing devices80are connected to the controller30.

Furthermore, the image display unit40includes the operation part42that includes various hardware switches. According to this embodiment, a menu switch42a, a camera switch42b, an operating time display change switch42c, an operation switch42d, a traveling mode switch42e, an engine aftertreatment switch42f, and an attachment change switch42gare provided in the operation part42.

The menu switch42ais a switch to cause a menu screen showing an operating condition and various settings to be displayed on the image display part41. The menu screen is a screen to display various kinds of information on the shovel100and receive the operator's operations such as changing the settings of various parameters or the like. The camera switch42bis a switch to cause captured images captured with the image capturing devices80to be displayed on the image display part41, and is a switch to switch images to be displayed on the image display part41captured with the image capturing devices80.

When the camera switch42bis depressed during display of the menu screen on the image display part41, an image displayed on the image display part41switches to an image captured with the image capturing devices80. In this case, an image captured with one or more of the left-side monitoring camera80L, the rear monitoring camera80B, and the right-side monitoring camera80R is displayed on the image display part41. Furthermore, when the camera switch42bis depressed during display of an image captured with the image capturing devices80on the image display part41, an image displayed on the image display part41switches to an image including an image captured with a camera different from a camera of display at the point.

The operating time display change switch42cis a switch to change operating time information displayed on the image display part41. At least one of the lifelong operating time and the section operating time of the shovel100is displayed on the image display part41. Furthermore, fuel efficiency information corresponding to the operating time information is displayed on the image display part41. For example, when the lifelong operating time is displayed, lifelong average fuel efficiency is displayed as fuel efficiency information together with the lifelong operating time. When the section operating time is displayed, section average fuel efficiency is displayed as fuel efficiency information together with the section operating time.

When the operating time display change switch42cis depressed, the operating time information displayed on the image display part41is changed together with fuel efficiency information. For example, when the operating time display change switch42cis depressed during display of the lifelong operating time and the lifelong average fuel efficiency on the image display part41, the displayed information switches to the section operating time and the section average fuel efficiency. For example, when the operating time display change switch42cis depressed during display of the section operating time and the section average fuel efficiency on the image display part41, the displayed information switches to the lifelong operating time and the lifelong average fuel efficiency.

Alternatively, for example, when the operating time display change switch42cis depressed during display of one of the lifelong operating time and the section operating time on the image display part41, switching may be performed to display all of the lifelong operating time, the lifelong average fuel efficiency, the section operating time, and the section average fuel efficiency on the image display part41.

Here, the lifelong operating time is a cumulative operating time in the entire period after manufacture of the shovel100, and the lifelong average fuel efficiency is average fuel efficiency in the entire period after the manufacture. Furthermore, the section operating time is, for example, a cumulative operating time in a period after the counting of an operating time or the like is restarted by the operator, and the section average fuel efficiency is average fuel efficiency in the period after the restart.

The operation switch42dis composed of four switches that are vertically and laterally separated. The top switch is a wiper switch, the right switch is a light switch, the left switch is a washer switch, and the bottom switch is an engine control switch. The wiper switch is a switch to turn on and off the wipers.

The light switch is a switch to turn on and off the lights attached to the exterior of the cabin10. The washer switch is a switch to jet out window washer fluid. The engine control switch is a switch to switch the rotational speed of the engine11of the shovel100to AUTO, IDLE, SHUTDOWN, etc.

The traveling mode switch42eis a switch to set the traveling mode to a low-speed mode or a high-speed mode. The engine aftertreatment switch42fis a switch to perform aftertreatment of exhaust gas, etc. The attachment change switch42gis a switch to change the settings of the controller30in accordance with various attachments such as a bucket, a rock drill, and a grapple.

The image display unit40operates with a supply of electric power received from a rechargeable battery70. The rechargeable battery70is charged with electric power generated by an alternator11a(electric generator) of the engine11. The electric power of the rechargeable battery70is also supplied to an electrical component72of the shovel100other than the controller30and the image display unit40. Furthermore, a starter11bof the engine11is driven with electric power from the rechargeable battery70to start the engine11.

Furthermore, according to the shovel100of this embodiment, an engine rotational speed adjustment dial75is provided in the cabin10. The engine rotational speed adjustment dial75is a dial for adjusting the rotational speed of the engine11, and according to this embodiment, is capable of switching the engine rotational speed among the four levels of SP mode, H mode, A mode, and idling mode.FIG. 5depicts a state where the H mode is selected by the engine rotational speed adjustment dial75.

The SP mode is a rotational speed mode selected when it is desired to give priority to workload, and uses the highest engine rotational speed. The H mode is a rotational speed mode selected when it is desired to satisfy both workload and fuel efficiency, and uses the second highest engine rotational speed. The A mode is a rotational speed mode selected when it is desired to operate the shovel100with low noise while giving priority to fuel efficiency, and uses the third highest engine rotational speed. The idling mode is a rotational speed mode selected when it is desired to idle the engine11, and uses the lowest engine rotational speed. The engine11is controlled to a constant rotational speed at the engine rotational speed of the rotational speed mode set by the engine rotational speed adjustment dial75.

The controller30receives various kinds of data transmitted from various parts. The controller30stores various kinds of data in a temporary storage part30a, and transmits the stored various kinds of data and the results of operations based on the various kinds of data to the image display unit40as desired.

For example, the following various kinds of data are transmitted from various parts to the controller30to be stored in the temporary storage part30a.

For example, data indicating a swash plate angle are transmitted from a regulator14aof the main pump14, which is a variable displacement hydraulic pump, to the controller30. Furthermore, data indicating the discharge pressure of the main pump14are transmitted from a discharge pressure sensor14bto the controller30. Furthermore, an oil temperature sensor14cis provided in a conduit between a tank in which hydraulic fluid that the main pump14takes in is stored and the main pump14. Data indicating the temperature of hydraulic fluid flowing through the conduit are fed from the oil temperature sensor14cto the controller30.

The pilot pressures transmitted to the control valve17when the operation levers26A through26C, etc., are operated are detected with hydraulic sensors15aand15b, and data indicating the detected pilot pressures are fed to the controller30. The relationship between the tilt direction of the operation lever26C and the rotation direction of the traveling hydraulic motors1A and1B is determined separately from the orientation of the upper-part turning body3relative to the lower-part traveling body1.

Furthermore, data indicating the setting of the engine rotational speed are constantly transmitted from the engine rotational speed adjustment dial75to the controller30.

The controller30is further fed with data indicating the state of the remaining amount of fuel from a remaining fuel amount sensor55ain a fuel tank55. Specifically, the remaining fuel amount sensor55ais composed of a float that follows a fluid level and a variable resistor (potentiometer) that converts the amount of vertical variation of the float into a resistance value. The method of detecting the state of the remaining amount of fuel may be suitably selected in accordance with the configuration of the shovel100, and may be configured differently from the example illustrated in this embodiment.

Furthermore, a command value for the amount of fuel injection transmitted to the engine11is transmitted from the ECU74to the controller30together with the operating condition of the engine11. The operating condition of the engine11and the command value for the amount of fuel injection are stored in the temporary storage part30aof the controller30together with a date and time.

The controller30calculates fuel efficiency based on the command value for the amount of fuel injection, the date and time, etc., stored in the temporary storage part30a. The controller30calculates the lifelong average fuel efficiency based on an operating time in the entire period after manufacture of the shovel100and the cumulative value of the amount of fuel injection in the entire period. Furthermore, the controller30calculates the section average fuel efficiency based on an operating time in a period after the counting of an operating time is restarted by the operator and the cumulative value of the amount of fuel injection in this period. Furthermore, the controller30calculates instantaneous fuel efficiency based on, for example, the amount of fuel injection in the last second. The operator may reset and restart the counting of an operating time from the menu screen displayed on the image display part41, for example.

Furthermore, the controller30can calculate daily average fuel efficiency for the past few days and the fuel efficiency of each unit time (such as an hour) in each of the past few days based on the command value for the amount of fuel injection, the date and time, etc., stored in the temporary storage part30a. Furthermore, the controller30can likewise calculate the average fuel efficiency of the day of work and the average fuel efficiency of each unit time of the day of work based on the command value for the amount of fuel injection, etc., stored in the temporary storage part30a.

The various kinds of fuel efficiency information calculated by the controller30are transmitted to the image display unit40to be displayed on the image display part41.

Furthermore, a gate lock apparatus27is provided in the shovel100. The gate lock apparatus27is provided to prevent an improper operation of the work elements of the shovel100, and switches the work elements of the shovel100to the enabled state or the disabled state.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of an operator's seat of the shovel100and the vicinity of the operator's seat according to the embodiment.

In the cabin10, consoles10care provided one on each side of the operator's seat60. Operation levers26aare provided on the consoles10c. The gate lock apparatus27is provided in the console10cprovided on the left side of the operator's seat60, on which side the operator gets in and out of the cabin10.

FIG. 7is a side view of the console10con the left side of the operator's seat60according to the embodiment.

The gate lock apparatus27is disposed in the console10con the left side of the operator's seat60, and includes a gate lock lever27a, a gate27b, and a limit switch27c.

The gate lock apparatus27operates to open and close the gate27bdisposed in an area for climbing into and getting out of the operator's seat60. The gate lock lever27aand the gate27bare connected with a wire. When the gate lock lever27ais pulled up, the gate27balso is pulled up (as indicated by a solid line). When the gate lock lever27ais lowered, the gate27balso is lowered (as indicated by a dashed line). The gate27bis raised to prevent the operator from getting out of the operator's seat60. The gate27bis lowered to allow the operator to get out of the operator's seat60.

The limit switch27cis a sensor to detect an operation of the gate lock lever27a. The gate lock lever27ais pulled up to turn on the limit switch27c. The gate lock lever27ais lowered to turn off the limit switch27c.

The limit switch27cturns on to turn on a relay28aof a shutoff valve28depicted inFIG. 5. The limit switch27cturns off to turn off the relay28a. Thus, the limit switch27cturns on and off to perform the switching of the shutoff valve28that interrupts the transmission of hydraulic fluid from the pilot pump15to the operation apparatus26.

When the operator is seated on the operator's seat60and the gate lock lever27ais pulled up (the gate27bis raised to prevent the operator from getting off), the limit switch27cturns on to turn on the relay28a, so that the shutoff valve28is opened to enable the work elements of the shovel100. When the operator is seated on the operator's seat60but the gate lock lever27ais lowered (the gate27bis lowered to allow the operator to get on and off), the limit switch27cturns off to turn off the relay28a, so that the shutoff valve28is closed to disable the work elements of the shovel100.

Thus, according to the shovel100, the work elements are not enabled unless the operator is seated on the operator's seat60and pulls up the gate lock lever27a. Furthermore, when the gate lock lever27ais lowered to allow the operator to get into and out of the operator's seat60, the work elements are disabled. Thus, the gate lock apparatus27prevents an improper operation of the shovel100.

A signal representing the on or off of the limit switch27cof the gate lock apparatus27is also input to the controller30. The controller30serves as a detector to detect the enabled state or the disabled state of the work elements based on the signal from the limit switch27c.

Next, a configuration of a display screen displayed on the image display part41of the image display unit40is described.FIG. 8is a diagram depicting a display screen41V displayed on the image display part41by way of example.

As depicted inFIG. 8, the display screen41V includes a date and time display area41a, a traveling mode display area41b, an attachment display area41c, a fuel efficiency display area41d, an engine control state display area41e, an engine operating time display area41f, a coolant water temperature display area41g, a remaining fuel amount display area41h, a rotational speed mode display area41i, a remaining urea water amount display area41j, a hydraulic oil temperature display area41k, and a menu/camera image display area41m. According to the display screen41V depicted by way of example inFIG. 8, a menu screen is displayed on the menu/camera image display area41m.

The date and time display area41ais an area to display a current date and time. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, digital display is employed to show a date (Apr. 1, 2014) and a time (10:05).

The traveling mode display area41bis an area to display a current traveling mode. The traveling mode represents the setting of traveling hydraulic motors using a variable displacement pump. Specifically, the traveling mode includes a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode. A “turtle”-shaped mark is displayed in the low-speed mode, and a “rabbit”-shaped mark is displayed in the high-speed mode. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, the “turtle”-shaped mark is displayed to make it possible for the operator to recognize that the low-speed mode is set.

The attachment display area41cis an area to display an image that represents a currently attached attachment. Various attachments such as a bucket, a rock drill, a grapple, and a lifting magnet are attached to the shovel100. The attachment display area41cdisplays, for example, marks shaped like these attachments and numbers corresponding to the attachments. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a rock drill-shaped mark is displayed and “1” is displayed as a number representing the magnitude of the output of the rock drill.

The fuel efficiency display area41dis an area to display fuel efficiency information calculated by the controller30. The fuel efficiency display area41dincludes an average fuel efficiency display area41d1to display the lifelong average fuel efficiency or the section average fuel efficiency and an instantaneous fuel efficiency display area41d2to display the instantaneous fuel efficiency.

According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, the section average fuel efficiency is numerically displayed together with a unit of [L/hr (litter per hour)] in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1. Furthermore, a bar graph composed of nine segments that are individually controlled to light up or darken in accordance with the magnitude of the instantaneous fuel efficiency is displayed in the instantaneous fuel efficiency display area41d2. The segments are controlled to increase the number of lighted segments as the instantaneous fuel efficiency increases and to decrease the number of lighted segments as the instantaneous fuel efficiency decreases, so that the operator can visually recognize the magnitude of the instantaneous fuel efficiency.

The engine operating time display area41fis an area to display the cumulative operating time of the engine11. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a cumulative operating time since the restart of counting by the operator is displayed together with a unit of “hr (hour).” At least one of the lifelong operating time in the entire period after manufacture of the shovel100and the section operating time since the restart of counting by the operator is displayed in the engine operating time display area41f.

When the operator depresses the operating time display change switch42c, the fuel efficiency information displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1is changed together with the operating time information displayed in the engine operating time display area41f. For example, when the section operating time is displayed in the engine operating time display area41f, the section average fuel efficiency is displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1. When the lifelong operating time is displayed in the engine operating time display area41f, the lifelong average fuel efficiency is displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1. When both the section operating time and the lifelong operating time are displayed in the engine operating time display area41f, both the section average fuel efficiency and the lifelong average fuel efficiency are displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1.

Thus, every time the operating time display change switch42cis depressed, the fuel efficiency information displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1switches to “the section average fuel efficiency,” “the lifelong average fuel efficiency,” or “the section average fuel efficiency and the lifelong average fuel efficiency.” Accordingly, by depressing the operating time display change switch42c, the operator can understand the section average fuel efficiency and the lifelong average fuel efficiency to determine whether the state of fuel efficiency in current work is good or not to proceed with work in such a manner as to further improve the fuel efficiency.

The lifelong average fuel efficiency or the section average fuel efficiency displayed in the average fuel efficiency display area41d1may be displayed in a unit different from the example depicted inFIG. 8, and may be displayed in a bar graph. The instantaneous fuel efficiency may be numerically displayed in the instantaneous fuel efficiency display area41d2.

The engine control state display area41eis an area to display the state of control of the engine11. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, “automatic deceleration and automatic stop mode” is selected as the state of control of the engine11. The “automatic deceleration and automatic stop mode” means the state of control to automatically reduce the engine rotational speed and further to automatically stop the engine11in accordance with the duration of the low-load state of the engine11. Other states of control of the engine11include “automatic deceleration mode,” “automatic stop mode,” and “manual deceleration mode.”

The coolant water temperature display area41gis an area to display a current temperature condition of the engine coolant water. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a bar graph that represents the temperature condition of the engine coolant water is displayed. The temperature of the engine coolant water is displayed based on the output data of a water temperature sensor11cattached to the engine11. Specifically, the coolant water temperature display area41gincludes an abnormal range indicator41g1, a caution range indicator41g2, a normal range indicator41g3, a segment indicator41g4, and an icon indicator41g5.

The abnormal range indicator41g1, the caution range indicator41g2, and the normal range indicator41g3are indicators for notifying the operator that the temperature of the engine coolant water is abnormally high, requires attention, and is normal, respectively. The segment indicator41g4is an indicator for notifying the operator of the level of the temperature of the engine coolant water. The icon indicator41g5is an icon, such as a graphic symbol, indicating that the abnormal range indicator41g1, the caution range indicator41g2, the normal range indicator41g3, and the segment indicator41g4are indicators pertaining to the temperature of the engine coolant water. The icon indicator41g5may alternatively be characters indicating that the indicators are related to the temperature of the engine coolant water.

According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, the segment indicator41g4is composed of eight segments that are individually controlled to light up or darken, and the number of lighted segments increases as the coolant temperature increases. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, four segments are lighted. While the temperatures represented by the individual segments are equal in width in the example depicted inFIG. 8, the width of temperatures may differ from segment to segment.

Furthermore, according to the example depicted inFIG. 8, the abnormal range indicator41g1, the caution range indicator41g2, and the normal range indicator41g3are arc-shaped graphics successively arranged along the segment indicator41g4to be constantly lighted in, for example, red, yellow, and green, respectively. According to the segment indicator41g4, the first (lowest) through sixth segments belong to the normal range, the seventh segment belongs to the caution range, and the eighth (highest) segment belongs to the abnormal range.

Instead of displaying the abnormal range indicator41g1, the caution range indicator41g2, and the normal range indicator41g3in arc-shaped graphics, the coolant water temperature display area41gmay display characters, symbols, etc., indicating an abnormal level, a caution level, and a normal level at their respective boundaries.

The above-described configuration including an abnormal range indicator, a caution range indicator, a normal range indicator, a segment indicator, and an icon indicator is also adopted for the remaining fuel amount display area41h, the remaining urea water amount display area41j, and the hydraulic oil temperature display area41k. Instead of displaying arc-shaped graphics representing an abnormal range, a caution range, and a normal range, the remaining fuel amount display area41hand the remaining urea water amount display area41jmay display a letter “F” or a black circle (a circle filled with black), indicating “Full (full state)”, a letter “E” or a white circle (an unfilled circle), indicating “Empty (empty state)”, etc., at their respective boundaries.

The remaining fuel amount display area41his an area to display the state of the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank55. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a bar graph representing the current state of the remaining amount of fuel is displayed. The remaining amount of fuel is displayed based on the output data of the remaining fuel amount sensor55a.

The rotational speed mode display area41iis an area to display, as an image, a current rotational speed mode set with the engine rotational speed adjustment dial75. The rotational speed mode includes, for example, the above-described four modes, namely, SP mode, H mode, A mode, and idling mode. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a symbol “SP” indicating SP mode is displayed.

The remaining urea water amount display area41jis an area to display, as an image, the state of the remaining amount of urea water stored in a urea water tank. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a bar graph representing the current state of the remaining amount of urea water is displayed. The remaining amount of urea water is displayed based on the output data of a remaining urea water amount sensor provided in the urea water tank.

The hydraulic oil temperature display area41kis an area to display the state of the temperature of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic oil tank. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a bar graph indicating the state of the temperature of hydraulic oil is displayed. The temperature of hydraulic oil is displayed based on the output data of the oil temperature sensor14c.

Furthermore, according to the example depicted inFIG. 8, the coolant water temperature display area41g, the remaining fuel amount display area41h, the remaining urea water amount display area41j, and the hydraulic oil temperature display area41khave their respective segment indicators displayed to extend or shrink along the circumferential direction of the same single predetermined circle. Specifically, the coolant water temperature display area41g, the remaining fuel amount display area41h, the remaining urea water amount display area41j, and the hydraulic oil temperature display area41kare positioned in the left-side portion, the upper portion, the lower portion, and the right-side portion, respectively, of the predetermined circle. In the coolant water temperature display area41gand the hydraulic oil temperature display area41k, an abnormal range indicator, a caution range indicator, and a normal range indicator are arranged in this order from the top. In the remaining fuel amount display area41hand the remaining urea water amount display area41j, an abnormal range indicator, a caution range indicator, and a normal range indicator are arranged in this order from the left. Furthermore, in the remaining fuel amount display area41hand the remaining urea water amount display area41j, the segment indicator is displayed to increase the number of lighted segments as the remaining amount increases, where the first (rightmost) through sixth segments belong to a normal range, the seventh segment belongs to a caution range, and the eighth (leftmost) segment belongs to an abnormal range.

The coolant water temperature display area41g, the remaining fuel amount display area41h, the remaining urea water amount display area41j, and the hydraulic oil temperature display area41kmay adopt needle display in lieu of bar graph display.

The menu/camera image display area41mis an area to display a menu screen or a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80. According to the example depicted inFIG. 8, a menu screen is displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m. The menu screen is displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mwhen the operator depresses the menu switch42a.

During execution of work by the shovel100, a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80is preferably displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mto allow the operator to check the surroundings.

As depicted inFIG. 8, the menu screen includes multiple tabs41n, and the contents of the selected tab41nare displayed. The tabs41ninclude a fuel efficiency information tab41n1, a status tab41n2, a display setting tab41n3, and a date and time setting tab41n4.

The fuel efficiency information tab41n1is selected by the operator to display various kinds of fuel efficiency information. The status tab41n2is selected to display an engine running time, a total operation time, a swing operation time, a travel operation time, a breaker operation time, a crusher operation time, etc., as depicted inFIG. 8. According to the status tab41n2, each time is resettable. The display setting tab41n3is selected to display settings such as the brightness and the contrast of the image display part41of the image display unit40and receive changes to the settings made by the operator. The date and time setting tab41n4is selected to display a date and time to allow the operator to set the date and time. The tabs41nare not limited to the above-described examples, and a tab to display other information may be provided.

The operator uses, for example, the operation switch42dof the operation part42, which includes vertically and laterally separated four switches, to select a tab41nand input settings. The operator uses the upper, lower, left and right switches of the operation switch42dto select a tab41n, a setting item, etc. Furthermore, after selection of a setting item, a setting value may be changed using the upper or lower switch of the operation switch42d.

The camera switch42bis depressed by the operator to display a camera image captured with the image capturing devices80in the menu/camera image display area41m.FIG. 9is a diagram depicting an example of the display screen41V on which a captured image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B is displayed.

Here, when the camera switch42bis depressed during display of a captured image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B in the menu/camera image display area41mas depicted inFIG. 9, the displayed captured image switches to that of the left-side monitoring camera80L or the right-side monitoring camera80R. Likewise, when the camera switch42bis depressed during display of a captured image captured with the right-side monitoring camera80R in the menu/camera image display area41mas depicted inFIG. 9, the displayed captured image switches to that of the left-side monitoring camera80L or the rear monitoring camera80B. Furthermore, when the camera switch42bis depressed during display of a captured image captured with the left-side monitoring camera80L in the menu/camera image display area41mas depicted inFIG. 9, the displayed captured image switches to that of the right-side monitoring camera80R or the rear monitoring camera80B.

Furthermore, multiple images captured with the rear monitoring camera80B, the left-side monitoring camera80L, and the right-side monitoring camera80R may be displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m. For example, an image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B may be displayed in a left-side area and an image captured with the right-side monitoring camera80R may be displayed in a right-side area of the menu/camera image display area41m. Alternatively, an image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B may be displayed in the right-side area and an image captured with the left-side monitoring camera80L may be displayed in the left-side area. As yet another alternative, an image captured with the right-side monitoring camera80R may be displayed in a right-side area, an image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B may be displayed in a center area, and an image captured with the left-side monitoring camera80L may be displayed in a left-side area.

Alternatively, a bird's-eye view image into which images captured with the rear monitoring camera80B, the left-side monitoring camera80L, and the right-side monitoring camera80R are combined may be displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m.

Captured images captured with the multiple image capturing devices80are thus displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mto allow the operator to perform work while checking the surroundings of the shovel100more extensively.

A captured image displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mof the image display part41is displayed independently of the traveling direction of the lower-part traveling body1of the shovel100. That is, a selected captured image or a composite bird's-eye view image from the rear monitoring camera80B, the left-side monitoring camera80L, and the right-side monitoring camera80R is displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mregardless of the traveling direction of the lower-part traveling body1.

Each camera is so installed as to include part of the cover3aof the upper-part turning body3in a captured image. Inclusion of part of the cover3ain a displayed image makes it easy for the operator to feel the distance between an object displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mand the shovel100.

The size and placement of each display area on the display screen41V may be changed as desired. Furthermore, one or more of the display areas41athrough41nmay be omitted from the display screen41V, and the display screen41V may include display areas other than those described above. For example, the display screen41V may include an exhaust gas filter condition display area to display the condition of clogging of an exhaust gas filter (such as a Diesel Particulate Filter [DPF]). Specifically, the exhaust gas filter condition display area may display a bar graph that represents the ratio of the current time of use of the exhaust gas filter to its maximum allowable time of use.

Here, preferably, an image captured with the image capturing devices80is preferentially displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mwhen the gate lock lever27ais pulled up by the operator to enable the work elements of the shovel100in the shovel100. For example, the image display unit40switches the display of the menu/camera image display area41mfrom the menu screen to an image captured with the image capturing devices80in response to the gate lock lever27abeing pulled up to turn on the limit switch27cto enable the work elements.

Because a captured image is preferentially displayed when the gate lock lever27ais pulled up to enable the work elements, the operator can smoothly start work while confirming the safety of the surroundings without operating the camera switch42bor the like.

Furthermore, the image displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mwhen the gate lock lever27ais pulled up is preferably equal to the image displayed when the gate lock lever27awas pulled down to end or interrupt work the last time. For example, in response to having displayed an image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B at the end or interruption of work the last time, the image display unit40again displays an image captured with the rear monitoring camera80B at the start of work. Likewise, in response to having displayed an image captured with the left-side monitoring camera80L at the end or interruption of work the last time, the image display unit40displays an image captured with the left-side monitoring camera80L also at the start of work. Furthermore, in response to having displayed an image captured with the right-side monitoring camera80R at the end or interruption of work the last time, the image display unit40displays an image captured with the right-side monitoring camera80R also at the start of work.

Furthermore, in response to having simultaneously displayed images captured with two or more of the rear monitoring camera80B, the left-side monitoring camera80L, and the right-side monitoring camera80R at the end or interruption of work, the image display unit40likewise displays multiple captured images at the start of work. Furthermore, in response to having displayed a composite bird's-eye view image of images captured with the rear monitoring camera80B, the left-side monitoring camera80L, and the right-side monitoring camera80R at the end or interruption of work, the image display unit40displays a like bird's-eye view image at the start of work.

An image displayed at the end or interruption of work the last time is automatically displayed on the image display unit40at the start of work to allow the operator to more smoothly start work while confirming the safety of the surroundings without operating the camera switch42bor the like.

Furthermore, a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80is preferably displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mduring operation of the shovel100by the operator to allow the operator to confirm the safety of the surroundings of the shovel100. Therefore, according to the shovel100of this embodiment, a warning is displayed on the image display part41of the image display unit40when the operator depresses the menu switch42awhile operating the shovel100.

FIG. 10is a diagram depicting a flowchart of a menu switch operating process according to the embodiment.

When the operator depresses the menu switch42a, first, at step S101, the controller30detects whether the work elements of the shovel100are enabled based on a signal transmitted from the limit switch27cof the gate lock apparatus27.

If the work elements are enabled (YES at step S101), at step S102, the image display unit40switches the menu/camera image display area41mto a menu screen, and at step S103, displays a warning on the menu screen.

FIG. 11is a diagram depicting an example of the display screen41V where a menu screen is displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mand a warning41wis displayed on the menu screen.

When the operator depresses the menu switch42awith the work elements of the shovel100being enabled, a menu screen is displayed and the warning41wthat “DISPLAY CAMERA IMAGE DURING OPERATION” is displayed on the menu screen. The warning41wis thus displayed to urge the operator to depress the camera switch42bto display a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80in the menu/camera image display area41mand confirm the safety of the surroundings.

Referring back to the flowchart ofFIG. 10, if the controller30detects that the work elements are disabled (NO at step S101), at step S104, the image displayed on the image display unit40is checked.

If a captured image is displayed on the image display unit40(YES at step S104), at step S105, the image display unit40switches the image displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mto the menu screen. If the menu screen is displayed on the image display unit40(No at step S104), the process ends as is because there is no need to display a warning because of the disability of the work elements and the menu screen is already displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m.

Thus, when the menu screen is displayed while the work elements of the shovel100are enabled, the warning41wis displayed on the menu screen to cause the operator to display a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80. By the warning41w, the operator is urged to display a captured image to confirm the safety of the surroundings during operation and is cautioned to safely perform work.

Alternatively, when the operator depresses the menu switch42awhile the work elements are enabled, a warning may be displayed during display of a captured image instead of the menu screen being immediately displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m.

FIG. 12is a diagram depicting a flowchart of a menu switch operating process to display a warning during display of a captured image.

When the operator depresses the menu switch42a, first, at step S201, the controller30detects whether the work elements of the shovel100are enabled based on a signal transmitted from the limit switch27cof the gate lock apparatus27.

If the work elements are enabled (YES at step S201), at step S202, the image displayed on the image display unit40is checked. If a captured image captured with the image capturing devices80is displayed on the image display unit40(YES at step S202), at step S203, it is determined whether a warning is displayed on the image display unit40. If no warning is displayed on the image display unit40(NO at step S203), at step S204, the image display unit40displays a warning on the captured image to end the process.

FIG. 13is a diagram depicting an example of the display screen41V where a captured image is displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mand the warning41W is displayed on the captured image.

When the operator depresses the menu switch42awhile the work elements of the shovel100are enabled and a captured image is displayed on the image display unit40, the warning41wis displayed on the captured image as depicted inFIG. 13. Thus, a single depression of the menu switch42adoes not immediately display the menu screen but displays the warning41won the captured image. The warning41wis thus displayed to urge the operator to continue to display the captured image to confirm the safety of the surroundings.

Referring back to the flowchart ofFIG. 12, when the warning41wis already displayed on the image display unit40(YES at step S203), at step S205, the menu/camera image display area41mis switched to the menu screen to end the process.

Thus, when the menu switch42ais depressed (for the first time) during display of a captured image, the warning41wis displayed on the captured image. When the menu switch42ais again depressed (for the second time) in this state, the menu/camera image display area41mis switched to the menu screen. The warning41wmay continue to be displayed on the menu screen after the switching.

When the work elements are enabled, the operator is prevented from displaying the menu screen unless depressing the menu switch42atwice in the state where a captured image is displayed, and accordingly, is strongly urged to display the captured image to confirm the safety of the surroundings.

If the controller30detects that the work elements are disabled (NO at step S201), at step S206, the image displayed on the image display unit40is checked.

If a captured image is displayed on the image display unit40(YES at step S206), at step S207, the image display unit40switches the image displayed in the menu/camera image display area41mto the menu screen. If the menu screen is displayed on the image display unit40(NO at step S206), the process ends as is because there is no need to display a warning because of the disability of the work elements and the menu screen is already displayed in the menu/camera image display area41m.

Thus, the image display unit40may be disabled from displaying the menu screen unless the menu switch42ais depressed twice when a captured image is displayed while the work elements are enabled. The operator is strongly urged to display a captured image to confirm the safety of the surroundings during operation. Accordingly, the operator is less likely to erroneously perform operations while looking at the menu screen.

When the operator pulls down the gate lock lever27ato disable the work elements of the shovel100during display of the warning41won the menu screen or on a captured image, the warning41wis cleared and the menu screen is displayed.

As described above, according to the shovel100of this embodiment, when the menu switch42ais depressed while the work elements are enabled, a warning is displayed to urge the operator to display a captured image, thereby increasing the safety awareness of the operator to ensure work safety. While a shovel is described as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to shovels, and may be applied to other construction machines.

While a construction machine and a method of controlling a construction machine according to the embodiment are described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.